ANIMAL WELFARE

AFFCO's Select Lamb and Beef programmes monitor on-farm practices, such as animal husbandry and the use of medicines or drenches. This programme ensures animals are rested and their systems clear of products before processing.

AFFCO Select is an internationally recognised Farm Assurance Programme for New Zealand lamb and beef farmers to help maintain animal welfare, safety and quality standards.

This accreditation process is carried out by Asure New Zealand, with accredited farms regularly audited by AgResearch. These independent organisations are licensed to United States Department of Agriculture and European Union standards.

Animal welfare extends to the yarding and loading of stock for transportation. Strict rules relating to stress, maximum loading levels, speed limits, overcrowding, and the bruising of the animals must be adhered to at all times. Our transporters use nil bruise crates and their vehicles meet stringent environmental standards for the disposal of effluent.

At each site, MAF veterinarians oversee the treatment of the animals to ensure unloading and slaughtering practices are humane, and there are no immediately obvious signs of disease in the carcasses.

AFFCO is committed to the health, safety and well-being of its livestock and every precaution is taken to ensure their welfare is not compromised.