Humane Choice Blog

Australians care about animals - but we don't buy ethical meat (The Conversation)

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 23:30:33 GMT

Australians clearly care about animal welfare: our research has found 92% shoppers in Sydney considered animal welfare to be important.

However, when we look at the distribution of market share of so-called high-welfare foods in Australia, we get a varied picture. Aussie shoppers seem to care far more about free-range eggs than the living conditions of pigs, cows and broilers (meat poultry).

Almond Grove Turkeys go from Murray Bridge to New York City (Murray Valley Standard)

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 05:57:52 GMT

You still won't find Almond Grove Turkeys in the phone book, but you might find them on the tables of New York's finest restaurants. Murray Bridge East turkey producer John Holland shared the story of his success at Murray Bridge's monthly business breakfast last Wednesday.

Read the full story here: https://www.murrayvalleystandard.com.au/story/5264648/almond-grove-turkeys-go-from-murray-bridge-to-new-york-city/

Clarendon Farm Eggs: Free-range an ethical, profitable approach (The Weekly Times Now)

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 02:59:20 GMT

In the poultry industry, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone more knowledgeable about hen farming than Ian Littleton. The 66-year-old runs a 120ha poultry farm at Gulgong in NSW, called Clarendon Farm Eggs, stocking 6000 free-range Lowman chooks, and selling 1500 dozen eggs a week through wholesale and retail markets in Sydney. In November, Ian became accredited with Humane Choice which has a stocking rate of 1500 hens/ha.

Read the full article here: 9 January 2018 - Clarendon Farm Eggs - Free-range an ethical, profitable approach (The Weekly Times) - HC STORY.pdf

The Free Range Project makes a Humane Choice! (Humane Society International Media Release)

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 05:44:59 GMT

One of the biggest free range egg producers in New South Wales, The Free Range Project, has signed up to Humane Choice - Humane Society International's certification scheme designed to help Australian consumers make ethical choices and not be duped by false marketing.

Wool leaders face Senate Estimates grilling amid industry claims of 'toxic culture' (ABC News)

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 22:36:19 GMT

Wool growers have alleged their industry body, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has a "toxic culture" that is holding farmers back. A bitter divide between traditional and progressive farmers has led to allegations that AWI - a grower and taxpayer-funded marketing and research body - is not spending enough money to help farmers phase out mulesing. Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-10-24/australian-wool-innovation-merriman-mccullough-senate-estimates/9075752

Ethical meat: Understanding meat welfare labels at the supermarket (Choice)

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 04:05:22 GMT

Fair Game: What does the label on your meat packaging really mean? We examine the confusing world of animal welfare standards.

How to know what you're getting when you buy free-range eggs (The Conversation)

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 01:52:58 GMT

Last week, egg producer Snowdale Holdings was penalised A$1 million for falsely labelling their eggs as free-range. Snowdale, one of the biggest producers in the Australian market, owns brands including Eggs by Ellah, Swan Valley Free Range, and Wanneroo Free Range.

Humane Choice recommends a maximum of 1,500 birds per hectare. And unlike the government definition of free-range, which calls for "meaningful and regular" access to the outside, Humane Choice standards specify that hens can "forage on the land, and move untethered and uncaged".

Record fine given to WA egg giant following Humane Society International complaint (HSI Media Release)

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 04:37:56 GMT

Humane Society International (HSI) is pleased that Snowdale Holdings Pty Ltd, one of Australia's largest egg producers, has been ordered to pay more than $1 million by WA's Federal Court for deceiving consumers over free range eggs. The company was fined $750,000 for falsely labelling some of its products free range, and has been ordered to pay an additional $300,000 in court costs. The case was brought by the ACCC following a complaint from Humane Society International in 2012 and today the Federal Court issued the record penalty.

Read the full story here: http://hsi.org.au/releases/index.php/2017/07/25/record-fine-given-to-wa-egg-giant-following-humane-society-international-complaint/

Think you're buying free-range, grass-fed, ethical meat? Look closer at the label (Good Food)

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 04:34:22 GMT

There's a picture on a tray of meat, of a cow in a paddock eating grass. From the image you might assume the animal led a life on a farm. But there is no way of knowing from the packaging how the animal was raised. It is quite possible the animal spent time in a feedlot, was fed antibiotics and given hormones.

This is what the Government's new 'free range' egg guidelines look like (Huffington Post)

Fri, 28 Apr 2017 04:01:35 GMT

The Australian Government has announced new standards for free range egg labelling, but images from inside a Government-approved "free range" egg farm may leave consumers questioning the value of the reforms. Head of Campaigns for the Humane Society International, Nicola Beynon, has accused the Government of misleading consumers over the new guidelines, which fall far short of Australia's own voluntary Model Code of Practice, as well as standards set in the UK and Europe. Read the full story here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/04/27/this-is-what-the-governments-new-free-range-egg-guidelines-lo_a_22059101/

Free-range eggs: Stocking density to be displayed on carton (Weekly Times Now)

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 03:58:03 GMT

Australia's first free-range egg information standards is to be launched before Easter, with all producers required to "prominently" display their farm's bird density on cartons within the next 12 months. Consumers can expect to see densities ranging from 30 birds per hectare up to 10,000/ha on free-range egg cartons. Read the full article here: http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/national/freerange-eggs-stocking-density-to-be-displayed-on-carton/news-story/f7cd88d8054cd9b952dd154afab07ffe

RSPCA threatens to quit poultry standards advisory group, as integrity of process is questioned (Sydney Morning Herald)

Wed, 15 Feb 2017 11:40:17 GMT

The integrity of the process for developing Australia's new poultry standards is in question, with scientists raising concerns about inaccuracies and the RSPCA threatening to quit.

Three animal welfare scientists sent a scathing letter, seen by Fairfax Media, to the group writing the legal requirements for poultry welfare, saying their research had been distorted in supporting papers to appear in favour of conventional caged egg production.

Read the full story here: http://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/rspca-threatens-to-quit-poultry-standards-advisory-group-as-integrity-of-process-is-questioned-20170213-gubgx0.html

Consumer group questions the definition of free-range - Poll (The Advocate)

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 03:03:23 GMT

Choice spokesman Tom Godfrey said the national standard for free-range eggs signed off on by government ministers across the country last year did not meet with consumer expectations of free-range.

Mr Godfrey said the term free-range eggs "has been hi-jacked by industrial egg producers... which is unfair to free-range farms who invested to produce free-range eggs people expect and want."

Free range egg loopholes 'wide enough to drive truck through': RSPCA (WA Today)

Sat, 10 Dec 2016 02:55:21 GMT

Friday is the last chance for shoppers to submit thoughts on the draft the RSPCA says could allow more stories to surface such as that of Perth's Snowdale Holdings, found guilty in May of misleading the public about its brands, which include Free Range Eggs by Ellah and Swan Valley Farm Premium.

There has been no official standard for Australian free-range eggs apart from CSIRO recommendations; Humane Society International called the term "virtually meaningless" in Australia following the Snowdale revelations. Read more here: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/free-range-egg-loopholes-wide-enough-to-drive-truck-through-rspca-20161209-gt7ppm.html

How to eat ethically (Wellbeing.com)

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 01:50:23 GMT

When our grandparents thought about what to eat, they didn't have to consider what their food choices might be doing to the environment, what animal welfare conditions were like or even what bad effects their food might have on their bodies. They didn't stand motionless in supermarket aisles, head down, squinting at tiny labels, and there weren't whole sections of the shops they needed to avoid.

Both RSPCA and Humane Society International Australia (via its Humane Choice True Free Range certification) provide more consistent standards that producers must abide by to get approval. Humane Choice, with its "True Free Range" standards, lists on its website the producers it has certified and in many cases where you can buy the products. Read the full article here: https://www.wellbeing.com.au/body/nutrition/eat-ethically.html

Lots of the terms on meat labels mean nothing. Nothing! (SBS Food)

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 01:38:17 GMT

We see all sorts of labels on our meat, from terms such as free-range and grass-fed to Heart Foundation ticks. What do they mean? Which have legally set meanings and which are just marketing ploys?

RSPCA approved: The RSPCA has a set of guidelines for each different animal, and they provide assurance against inhumane animal conditions, although their guidelines allow for more intensive farming than some other groups. For example, the RSPCA legislates a maximum of 30 sows (pigs) per hectare compared with 'Humane Choice' guidelines which legislates a maximum of ten. Read the full article here: http://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2016/10/31/lots-terms-meat-labels-mean-nothing-nothing

A new approach creating success (Southern Weekly)

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 05:43:11 GMT

Andrew and Jodie Green of Aloeburn Poll Merinos are celebrating 10 years of no mulesing. The decision was made in 2006 that the logical way forward in breeding Merino sheep in Australia was to select animals with naturally bare breaches who did not require mulesing.

The Aloeburn Poll Merino Stud has been working with Dr Jim Watts for 30 years, classing sheep under the SRS (Soft Rolling Skin) principles. Read more here: http://www.southernweekly.com.au/story/4188325/a-new-approach-creating-success/

Humane choice for pork production at Hernani (The Land)

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 04:38:28 GMT

This week, The Land reports on Mayfield Farms' free range pork production, a Humane Choice certified farm at Hernani in New South Wales. Siblings Ian and Sandra Bannerman said that their decision to become Humane Choice certified has paid off with customers, and it means that their animals are raised ethically and can practice their natural behaviours.

Read the full article here: http://www.theland.com.au/story/4084675/humane-choice-for-pork-production-at-hernani/

Mulesing-free wool being sought out by Chinese processors (Weekly Times Now)

Tue, 13 Sep 2016 01:02:01 GMT

Australian non-mulesed wool is being bought before auction by overseas buyers willing to pay a premium. The manager at Shelford's Warrambeen Merino stud, Andrew Kirk, said wool from their past two shearings had been sold to overseas interests at a higher price than it would have made if it had gone under the hammer.

Warrambeen owners, the Taylor family, made the decision to stop mulesing almost a decade ago due to animal welfare concerns. They have tackled the problems mulesing is used to combat through genetics and a change in management. "Breeding is out No.1 tactic," Mr Kirk said.

Humane Choice farms win delicious. Produce State Awards

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 19:30:00 GMT

The state winners of the 2016 delicious. Produce Awards have just been released and are due to appear in the September issue of delicious. magazine, on sale later this week. This year the country’s top chefs and restaurateurs nominated the passionate producers they work closely with, and Humane Choice* producers were amongst them.

The pasture-raised Pekin Duck from Burrawong Gaian poultry was named a state winner in the ‘From the paddock’ category for New South Wales. Owned and run by Beth and Hayden McMillan, their premium quality duck and chickens are used in the restaurants of well-known chefs Kylie Kwong, Neil Perry and Colin Fassnidge. Their farm runs both ducks and chickens, priding themselves on sustainable organic farming. They started with just 200 birds, but now process 300 ducks and 600 chickens each week.

Beth McMillan of Burrawong Gaian says, “Our birds are ethically and sustainably raised on pasture and our Humane Choice accreditation ensures a true free range or pasture raised model is practised on our farm.” They are also home to the only Food Authority ‘A’ rated poultry abattoir on the mid North Coast of NSW, so their birds only move a matter of metres from the paddock to the processing facility, greatly reducing stress levels.

Walker Farm Foods Nomadic Pastured Chook Eggs were also listed as state winners for Queensland, another Humane Choice certified farm. Their laying hens are free to roam in paddocks on the Sunshine Coast, moved every few days to a new selection of fresh grass. They lay their eggs in mobile chicken caravans and are loyally protected by guardian maremma dogs.

Humane Society International’s Program Manager for Animal Welfare, Georgie Stewart, said, “We are delighted that these ethical producers are reaping the rewards because they have worked so hard to bring consumers produce from animals treated with the highest possible animal welfare standards in Australia.” Mrs Stewart continued, “Humane Choice, a certification scheme launched by Humane Society International ten years ago, has long been an advocate for farmers that promote a free range alternative, a market that has grown considerably over the past decade. There is a growing movement of ‘back to basics’ farmers that want to produce food, not just a commodity. They want to farm their livestock and land with respect. These winning farms have come a long way for small producers and are helping to ensure that the best free range practices continue to become a big part of the industry.”

According to delicious. Editor-in-chief Kerrie McCallum, the calibre of entries was unprecedented in terms of quality. The judging panel consisted of 39 Australian food leaders and the stated winners will now progress to the national judging phase.

Ending 'cruel' practice of mulesing would help wool is view of a southern New South Wales farmer (ABC Rural)

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 00:52:29 GMT

The good drop of lambs at Howard Hunter's property near Young in southern New South Wales will not be subjected to a practice he has thought cruel ever since he was a child. Mr Hunter is one of the few wool producers in his area who does not carry out mulesing.

Food tourism: Farmers push for produce link with specific NSW areas (The Daily Telegraph)

Sat, 23 Jul 2016 05:44:41 GMT

NSW regions are drawing inspiration from the French to develop specific providences that specialise in certain foods. The latest region to brand itself is the Macleay Valley Food Bowl which has 160 producers including Burrawong Gaian poultry. They market themselves under the newly formed Macleay Valley Food Bowl brand as well as Humane Choice.

Read the full article here: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/food-tourism-farmers-push-for-produce-link-with-specific-nsw-areas/news-story/582a39da8ab21156aee2e47d7686641f

UK: Tesco Congratulated For Making Cage-Free Eggs Commitment (ESM)

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 01:41:32 GMT

Compassion in World Farming has said that it 'hugely congratulates' UK retailer Tesco for making the decision to stop sourcing eggs from caged hens by 2025. The group said that this commitment is likely to benefit the lives of more than 2 million laying hens per year.

Alternative housing options for sows presents more challenges for pig industry (ABC Rural)

Fri, 15 Jul 2016 04:40:26 GMT

Animal welfare concerns have driven the Australian pork industry to move away from the use of gestation stalls. In doing so, a different set of challenges has emerged for producers.

Icebergs and Vic's Meat sever ties with Tinder Creek Ducks amid cruelty accusations (SMH)

Fri, 08 Jul 2016 01:24:58 GMT

High-profile restaurants and retailers, such as Icebergs and Vic's Meat, have stopped using and selling meat from Tinder Creek Ducks after months of pressure from animal rights activists.

Federal election 2016: Greens pledge to crack down on 'free-range' eggs

Mon, 13 Jun 2016 01:05:45 GMT

The federal Greens will push for a national standard for free-range eggs that would slash the number of farm hens per hectare by 85 per cent.

Major Australian egg producer found guilty of deceiving consumers

Wed, 18 May 2016 05:53:08 GMT

HSI is thrilled by today's news that one of Australia's largest egg producers has been found guilty in WA's Federal Court of falsely labelling eggs as free range. Snowdale Holdings Pty Ltd, who trade as Swan Valley Egg Farm and Eggs by Ellah, were fighting the charges of misleading and deceptive conduct by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

HSI hopeful justice will be done in egg cartel case appeal after former Australian Egg Corporation director fined $120,000

Thu, 05 May 2016 03:33:39 GMT

HSI is delighted that so far, justice is being done, following news that Zelko Lendich, a former director of AECL, was ordered to pay a $120,000 fine by the Federal Court for attempting to induce a cartel arrangement between competing producers. The ACCC have lodged an appeal to consider that AECL's managing director James Kellaway and AECL board member and Queensland egg producer Jeffrey Ironside were also involved in the arrangement.

HSI Director Verna Simpson said, "We remain hopeful that the appeal will result in larger penalties for Mr Kellaway and Mr Ironside as they must be held to account." Read more here: http://www.hsi.org.au/go/to/2795/4th-may-hsi-hopeful-justice-will-be-done-in-egg-cartel-case-appe.html#.VylobdJ96M8

Putting the chickens before the eggs (In Daily)

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 03:38:31 GMT

When it comes to free-range eggs, most South Australian producers agree that Maremma sheepdogs and freedom to roam are a hen's best friend. Richard and Terressa Langford, at Fleurieu Free Range Eggs at Mt Compass, have 3500 chickens under the care of their four Maremmas (Millie, Misty, Sam and Ralph); and Kathy Barrett, from Katham Springs Kangaroo Island, says they couldn't let their hens roam without the help of their eight Maremmas.

Read more about true free range producers and their views on the recent national 'free range' standard here: http://indaily.com.au/food-and-wine/the-forager/2016/04/27/putting-the-chickens-before-the-eggs/

NZ's welfare act bans mulesing (Farm Weekly)

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 03:35:54 GMT

A landmark animal welfare act being proposed in New Zealand, which makes the mulesing procedure illegal, will not influence the practices or attitudes of the Australian wool industry. Despite major changes to production practice in competing countries, Charles Sturt University animal behaviour and welfare senior lecturer Rafael Freire said Australia had been immune to any pressure to change.

Click here for the full article: http://www.farmweekly.com.au/news/agriculture/sheep/wool/nzs-welfare-act-bans-mulesing/2752368.aspx?storypage=0

Latest free range court case highlights 10,000 hectare farce

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 03:45:07 GMT

Egg producers Derodi Pty Ltd and Holland Farms Pty Ltd have today been fined $300,000 for making false or misleading representations in their labelling and promotion of eggs as "free range". The ACCC took legal action against the Free Range Egg Farms, which are now among other producers, Pirovic Enterprises and Snowdale Holdings, two of Australia's biggest egg producers, who have been brought to court for misleading consumers.

Egg farms fined by Federal Court for making free-range claims (Weekly Times Now)

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 03:40:13 GMT

Free Range Egg Farms who supplied eggs labelled as "free range" under the brands Ecoeggs, Port Stephens and Field Fresh free-range eggs been accused of making false or misleading representations in their labelling and promotion of eggs as "free range". HSI Director Verna Simpson said the outcome of the cases were a "huge step for truth in labelling".

Read the full article here: http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/agribusiness/egg-farms-fined-by-federal-court-for-making-freerange-claims/news-story/3121a1a9a0f7c7d28076b27a4475ae4c

Cheep Shot - Interview with HSI Director Verna Simpson on 'A Question of Balance'

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 03:54:50 GMT

Verna Simpson, Director with the Humane Society International (HSI) explains how it's back to square one when it comes to the standard for free range eggs. Verna hopes that free range standards and stocking densities become an election issue.

http://www.aqob.com.au/details.php?p_id=1080&listid=642&slistid=&seo=Cheep_Shot&menuid=&submenuid=

Govts 'bad eggs' on free-range

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 03:56:43 GMT

The decision by state and federal ministers on Thursday to define 'free-range' as up to 10,000 birds per hectare is a win for intensive egg producers and the National Party over consumer rights and animal welfare, according to the Greens.

http://www.echo.net.au/2016/04/govts-bad-eggs-on-free-range/

Mid North lamb producer in bold bid to gain a premium for Wunderbar lambs

Sun, 20 Mar 2016 03:59:00 GMT

Paying homage to its German heritage, the Heinrich family from Black Springs near Saddleworth in the Mid North is producing a new brand of specialty lamb branded Wunderbar. They have become Australia's first Humane Choice Accredited lamb producer, providing an assurance that they are free range and have enjoyed the highest quality of life.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/mid-north-lamb-producer-in-bold-bid-to-gain-a-premium-for-wunderbar-lambs/news-story/487c19450986869347829e5c1d49212b

ACCC bring clarity to the murky world of pork labelling

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 04:01:16 GMT

Today ACCC announced it had concluded the investigation into alleged misleading conduct in the pork industry arising from credence claims presented on packaged pork. Verna Simpson, HSI Australia Director said today, “Since 2008 Humane Society International has been working to ensure that claims on produce such as free range are honest. The interest in higher welfare food has grown dramatically over the last decade and there were several players in the market place that we believe were seeking to take advantage of the premium prices you could charge for branded product, without actually producing to those standards.”

https://www.hsi.org.au/go/to/1910/3-september-2015-accc-bring-clarity-to-the-murky-world-of-pork-l.html#.Vw27VNR96M9

A Wunderbar Choice for Heinrichs

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 02:57:13 GMT

Drive past one of Wunderbar Lamb's paddocks in the rolling hills of Black Springs and you will probably do a double take. As Humane Choice-accredited lambs (in Australia and New Zealand), Wunderbar sheep retain their tails - a sight that owner Ben Heinrich is still getting used to.

http://www.stockjournal.com.au/story/3366635/a-wunderbar-choice-for-heinrichs/

Opening barn doors best approach to building trust

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 04:15:29 GMT

The latest international approach to free range farming and building consumer trust is "opening the barn door". It has been effective in the US with research showing ag-gag laws hinder transparency and do not build the public's trust.

Opening agriculture practices up to the public audience to show that people are caring for the welfare of animals and practicing ethical farming is empowering and promotes an informed conversation.

Read more - http://www.porknetwork.com/news/opening-barn-doors-best-approach-building-trust

Are eggs meat?

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 04:21:12 GMT

Interesting article on the are eggs meat debate, showing that for most people it comes down to the welfare of the animals. Nice mention of Humane Choice as the gold standard for free range!

Read more - http://www.techly.com.au/2015/08/20/eggs-meat/

It will take a ban on caging pigs to clean up the pork industry The Conversation - July 28th, 2015

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 04:36:12 GMT

Read more: https://theconversation.com/it-will-take-a-ban-on-caging-pigs-to-clean-up-the-pork-industry-44701

Food labelling: canny consumers should search for the source

Sat, 30 May 2015 04:38:37 GMT

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/food-wine/food-labelling-canny-consumers-should-search-for-the-source/story-e6frg8jo-1227372346672

Disturbing news of 500 pigs dying from heat stress in an intensive farm in NSW.

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 04:49:47 GMT

SMH has published comments from Verna Simpson, director of HSI Australia and Humane Choice, on the cruel deaths of 500 pigs at Grong Grong in NSW.

The deaths could have been avoided with appropriate staffing and as a result of such revelations HSI is calling for amendments to the Animal Welfare Code of Practice for Commercial Pig Production.

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/500-pigs-die-from-heat-stress-at-nsw-piggery-20150313-143j4l.html

Ways to make ethical purchases at the checkout

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 05:56:42 GMT

Take a look at this article from The New Daily, explaining ways to make your shopping more environmentally and animal welfare friendly. Including looking out for Humane Choice certification.

http://thenewdaily.com.au/life/2015/02/18/make-ethical-purchases-supermarket-seven-steps/

Stocking 165,441 hens per hectare is not free range!

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 06:17:13 GMT

On the back of HSI's complaint to the ACCC, and their thorough investigations of Snowdale Holdings, Coles and Woolworths are again being urged to discontinue the stocking of contentious produce from the egg producer.

Snowdale, who trades as Swan Valley and Free Range Eggs by Ellah, is being taken to court by the ACCC over allegations of falsely labelled free range eggs. New evidence has emerged since investigations began in 2012, by both HSI and ACCC, of unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty.

Fairfax media reports that the egg producer was stocking up to 100 times the recommended number of laying hens, with 165,441 hens per hectare in one of its barns.

Read more in the Fairfax article: http://goo.gl/50qJKB, and HSI's Media Release: http://goo.gl/JfPTpl

Brazil set to ban gestation crates

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 06:41:05 GMT

Good news this week with Brazil announcing its plans to end gestation crates. Brazil, the largest pork producer in Latin America now joins the EU, New Zealand, Australia and Canada who have either already phased out gestation crates, or are planning to do so in coming years.

The move by Brazil is expected to affect over 300,000 breeding sows and will eliminate their lifelong confinement in crates to more humane groupd housing systems.

ACCC urges egg industry to review free range claims

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:54:08 GMT

The ACCC are urging the egg industry to review their free range egg claims using the recent example of the $300,000 penalty taken against Pirovic. The ACCC have expressed the need for egg producers to monitor their transparency to consumers, and the use of advertising and free range labels.

http://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-urges-egg-industry-to-review-free-range-claims

Humane Choice producer, Rhodavale Pork, served at G20!

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:52:03 GMT

Our Humane Choice producers, Rhodavale Pork, will be served at G20 conference lunches as delegates descend on Brisbane and surrounding areas. Congratulations Rhodavale!

http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/exodus-slickers-hit-the-bush/2451460/

South Melbourne Markets not chicken to ban caged eggs

Thu, 30 Oct 2014 05:56:47 GMT

South Melbourne Market have decided to ban caged eggs in a move that will be highly beneficial for small egg producers. The markets will not only ban traders from selling caged eggs, but food vendors will no longer be able to use them.

All produce available at the markets will be sign posted and display the number of hens per hectare at each farm. Congratulations to our Humane Choice farm, Kangaroo Island Free Range Eggs, featured in the photo!
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/executive-living/food-drink/south-melbourne-market-not-chicken-to-ban-caged-eggs/story-e6frg8jo-1227106209391

Consumers driving free range egg demand

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 06:01:13 GMT

Consumers are driving the growth in free range eggs with demand for free range having jumped 15% in the past five years. While it is great news that consumer demand is such a driving force for change in the industry, there is still much confusion about what is true free range.

Read the article here: http://www.farmweekly.com.au/news/agriculture/livestock/general-news/cracking-demand-for-freerange/2715544.aspx?storypage=0

Humane Choice Farm named Livestock Producer of the Year!

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 04:56:13 GMT

Happy Valley Free Range has won the 2014 Farmer of the Year Award!

Joanne Stritch never dreamed of being a farmer, but her passion to deliver to the public pork that was raised in a natural caring environment lead her to create the Happy Valley Free Range farm. This passion has paid off with her being named Livestock Producer of the Year for Farmer of the Year 2014. Located in the Yarra Valley in Victoria, Happy Valley is proud about its open farming methods.

Happy Valley has been a certified Humane Choice farm for almost 3 years, and Joanne says it was important for her to be part of such a valued accreditation scheme. “Being certified with such a high level true free range certifier says to my customers that we are very serious about raising our pigs properly on pasture, “ Joanne says, “I love to spoil the sows with their piglets and make sure they are well fed, watered, warm and dry.”

At the moment, Happy Valley farm has 21 sows. Joanne is very careful about how she manages her pasture, and encourages and invites visitors to come and see their pigs. “We’ve had a lot of visitors to see the pigs and took part in the Yarra Valley Food & Wine Festival, with sold out pig tours on both days. People just love coming to see the pigs in the paddocks, playing and grazing as they do.”

Regular paddock rotations occur, and long spelling of paddocks has ensured the grass cover at the farm has stayed at optimum levels. The breeding program ensures the wellbeing of sows and piglets at all stages of the process. “Our breeding program is very natural. The boar and sows all live together in one paddock and the sow is moved to her own private paddock within two weeks of her farrowing date. She lives in her own paddock until the piglets are six to eight weeks old.”

Happy Valley Free Range is an innovative small producer and the pigs are predominantly sold at Farmers Markets within Victoria. They have become a part of the Yarra Valley community, and are open and honest about their farming methods, something that has become a rarity in the pork industry.

Joanne is keen on bringing people back to pork, and now has regular customers who have only begun eating pork again after having seen the Happy Valley farm and how they raise their pigs.

Happy Valley Free Range is a small, but special farm with their social media such as facebook growing every week. Joanne is also distributing a weekly newsletter with information on farmers markets, recipes and news of life on the farm. “I don’t want to have a big production, I like that I am the main human interaction with the pigs, that we are like one big family and every sow gets a big belly scratch,” Joanne says.

As the winner of one of the Farmer of the Year Awards, Happy Valley Free Range has come a long way for small producers, and is helping to ensure that the best free range practices continue to become a big part of the industry.

There has been a lot of interest in Humane Choice certification recently, and if you think your farm could be a part of our accreditation scheme head to the Humane Choice website to see our standards: www.humanechoice.com.au

Free Range Egg Catagory in Fine Foods Awards

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 03:27:36 GMT

Egg-cellent news for Consumers

RASV launches a Free-Range Egg category in its Autumn Fine Food Awards

This year the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) has made an exciting addition to its 2014 Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards (RMFFA) Autumn Program, a Free-Range Egg category and award.

In an industry first, the RMFFA will bring together an expert panel of judges to evaluate free-range eggs using criteria that are uniquely consumer-focused including taste, flavour and appearance.

Consumer interest and demand for top quality free-range eggs has increased significantly in recent times and it is currently the fastest growing sector in the egg market.

In conjunction with industry experts, the RASV has adopted a definition of free-range eggs that aligns with industry standards and community expectations to form the basis for eligibility and judging for the category.

RASV CEO Mark O’Sullivan said the introduction of the new category reflected the current climate of consumer interest in Australian free-range eggs.

“The Free-Range Eggs category has been created in close consultation with industry specialistsand introduced to the 2014 RMFFA Autumn Program as a result of increased consumer demand for theseproducts.

“The RASV is delighted to be providing Australian free-range egg producers a platform from which to showcase and market their quality eggs to consumers,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Entries for the RMFFA Autumn Program are open from Thursday, 21 November 2013 to Friday, 24 January 2014, with judging to be held in February 2014.

The RMFFA winners will also have an opportunity to showcase products at the 2014 Royal Melbourne Show in the Taste of Victoria Pavilion or as part of the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Deli Bags.

For more information, visit http://www.rasv.com.au/Events/RMFF_Home and follow RMFFA on Twitter @RMFFA

Humane Choice Breakfast cracks True Free Range Eggs for determined South Australians (HSI Media Release)

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 04:19:25 GMT

Thousands of postcards signed by determined South Australians will be presented to the Minister for Business Services and Consumers John Rau today at a Humane Choice Free Range Breakfast. These postcards represent the overwhelming support received from more than 18,000 South Australian consumers who are determined to endorse truth in labelling for eggs marked ‘free range’, meaning the stocking density would be capped at no more than 1,500 birds per hectare.

Lee McCosker, Chief Operating Officer for Humane Choice said, “The postcards send a powerful message because they targeted actual free range egg buyers having been distributed in the cartons of eggs produced by our Humane Choice true free range farmers.” The incredible response from the public verifies that free range egg buyers believe the intensification of free range, and systems that restrict or discourage outdoor access for the hens, simply fail to meet their expectations.

In June this year Minister Rau proposed a new industry code to settle this debate over a definition for ‘free range’, and once finalised it will make South Australia the only State in the nation to have taken such a critical initiative. McCosker continued, “We are delighted that thousands of South Australians have shown their strong support towards true free range farmers whose livelihoods have been compromised by the immoral behaviour of large egg corporations and the supermarket giants in their attempt to cash in on the genuine demand for free range produce.”

Minister Rau has received overwhelming support for his industry code that will only allow eggs produced by farms stocking 1,500 hens per hectare or less to be labelled ‘free range’. These eggs will stand out proudly on the shelf, clearly marked with the South Australian Free Range label, meaning South Australian consumers will finally be able to pick out true free range eggs easily, without being deceived.

South Australian’s are the only consumers in the country that will be given the opportunity to easily identify true free range eggs, making an informed purchasing decision. Now that genuine free range eggs will be easily identifiable, we hope that this translates into real choices being made available on the shelves of the major supermarkets. Throughout the rest of Australia there is still a confusing abundance of free range claims on eggs. We hope that this move supported by so many thousands of Australians will encourage the other States and the Federal Government, to finally act and put an end to such unnecessary controversy.

Humane Choice lauds South Australian decision on free range eggs (HSI Media Release)

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:25:17 GMT

South Australian Minister for Business Services and Consumers, John Rau, announced yesterday a new industry code to settle the debate over the definition of free range eggs. The South Australian government has defined free range eggs as coming from hens stocked at 1,500 birds per hectare. We congratulate Minister Rau for taking the initiative and attempting to put an end to the long running controversy over truth in labelling of free range eggs.

Free range egg buyers have been at the mercy of large egg corporations seeking to cash in on demand for free range eggs aided by the supermarkets that seem to have taken on the role of industry regulator.

This proposal gives the power back to the people by allowing them to make an informed buying decision and will encourage the supermarkets to make available a broader selection of eggs in their stores for that to happen. It would be an interesting exercise to see just how many brands in the supermarket today would meet the criteria for the SA Free Range label.

“I believe this industry code will actually bring clarity to the free range confusion and those producers that are meeting consumer expectation will stand out from the crowd. Consumers will then be able to decide if they are willing to pay a little more for what they want, or accept eggs grown under a more intensive operation. The choice will be made a lot clearer,” said Lee McCosker of Humane Choice*.

There is still a confusing abundance of free range claims on eggs, many meaning very little, and they are eroding the integrity of the free range industry. At least South Australian consumers will be able to weed out the less than honest ones.

*Humane Choice is the certification scheme launched by Humane Society International in 2006 to improve the welfare standards of farm animals across Australia. The Humane Choice label denotes the animal has had the best life and death offered to any farm animal, treated with respect and care over the entire course of its life. It ensures the highest standards of animal welfare and guarantees that the animals are truly free range. Visit www.humanechoice.com.au for more details.

Woolworths response to 'call it something else' campaign

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:34:59 GMT

From:Mardirossian Armineh [mailto:AMardirossian@woolworths.com.au]
Sent:Monday, 4 February 2013 3:07 PM
Subject:Woolworths' Free Range Eggs

Thank you for writing to us with your concerns about free range eggs. Some of you have engaged in further conversation with me on this matter and in the course of the correspondence it has become evident that there is a lot of confusion on the issue of hen stocking density for free range eggs. Subsequently we have made a decision to provide further information on-pack to help our customers with their purchasing choices.

As explained in my previous email, Woolworths own brand eggs comply with the requirements of the Model Code of Practice for Welfare of Animals: Domestic Poultry (the Code) for each production system and the products are labelled accordingly. However, the stocking density for free range eggs stated in the Code does leave room for interpretation of the acceptable maximum density which has led to confusion for both industry and consumers.

The views on maximum density vary between animal welfare advocacy groups and producers. While we don’t believe the decision on maximum stocking density is in our area of expertise, we take our responsibility on clear labelling very seriously and always endeavour to provide our customers with clear information to help them make the choices that are important to them.

To help reduce the confusion for our customers, Woolworths will move to:

label stocking densities on-pack for our own brand free range eggs sold under Macro and Select brands;
colour code own brand packs according to production system, and
display and label on-shelf by production system separating caged, barn laid and free range.

While we cannot dictate these measures to other brands, we will encourage all brands supplying free range eggs in our stores move to clearly label their stocking density.

More and more customers are choosing free range eggs and the sales are increasing year on year. Last year we saw a 20% increase in free range egg sales. However, caged eggs are still an affordable option for a lot of our customers and constitute 55% of all egg sales. Products on our shelves reflect our customers’ shopping preferences. We have millions of customers with diverse range of values and brand preferences and have a responsibility to meet the expectations of all our customers. We respect the choices made by all our customers.

Kind regards

Armineh Mardirossian
Head of Corporate Responsibility
Community & Sustainability
Woolworths Limited

ACCC supports HSI free range claims (HSI Media Release)

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 04:29:39 GMT

Two years of representations and hard lobbying by Humane Society International (HSI) on behalf of Humane Choice True Free Range producers has culminated in a damning report from the ACCC opposing the intensification of free range egg production.

The theme throughout the comprehensive ACCC report is that the Australian Egg Corporation’s proposal to increase stocking rates for layer hens to 20,000 birds per hectare will not meet consumer expectations for free range production.

“Although this has been obvious to the consumer for some time, industry has been relentless in their quest to highjack the term free range because big business had seen the potential to increase their profits substantially by labelling their eggs as free range” said Lee McCosker, Chief Operating Officer for Humane Choice. “This is a resounding victory for consumers, farmers and of course the chickens.”

Of 1,700 submissions received by the ACCC on the proposed Egg Corporation Standards, a staggering 1,693 were in opposition. There were only 7 submissions in Egg Corporations favour and they were probably by the producers most likely to benefit from the deception.

“The consumer has sent a very loud message to anyone labelling their eggs free range as well as to the supermarket chains that are promoting stocking rates up to 20,000 birds for their in-house branded free range eggs. Quite simply, label any egg produced in a system with stocking rates higher than 1500 birds per hectare and you are misleading your customers,” said McCosker.

The report from the ACCC is a welcome relief for true free range producers who were in danger of being put out of business. NSW, TAS, WA and South Australia all have Bills before parliament capping free range stocking rates at 1500 birds per hectare and the ACCC findings would hopefully push these Bills over the line.

We would like to thank the thousands of consumers who stood with us on this important issue to protect the integrity of free range farming into the future. “The people have spoken. It would be a huge mistake by government not to listen,” says McCosker.

Free Range Eggs – Would you like lies with that? (Humane Choice Media Release)

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 04:35:55 GMT

Humane Society International (HSI) has exposed the Australian Egg Corporation's (AECL) plan to mislead free range egg buyers with their erroneous interpretation of the Model Code of Practice for Animal Welfare.

Claims by AECL that the code allows for unlimited numbers of hens on the range are nothing more than an attempt to manipulate the wording of the code of practice and deceive the public in the name of profit.

"AECL have promoted their new plans to increase stocking rates to 20,000 birds per hectare as a responsible control measure when in reality it is nothing more than a deceptive undertaking to intensify free range production," said Lee McCosker, Chief Operating Officer for Humane Choice.

HSI has sought a legal interpretation of the Model Code, which has confirmed what they have long known to be true, that the code sets a maximum stocking density for layer hens at 1500 hens per hectare.

"Egg Corporation has attempted to take advantage of the consumers lack of understanding of poultry production systems and that the Model Code applies to both layer and meat birds. When you are aware of this fact it shines a whole new light on the meaning and the intention of the code of practice," continued McCosker.

To ensure consumers have their interest represented, HSI has also sought to enlighten all members of parliament with the truth so that they may better represent their constituents by fully understanding this issue. A copy of the legal advice has been sent to every MP in the country.

HSI has also brought this deception to the attention of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the application currently before them for a Certification Trademark by the AECL is under investigation.

"The consumer has driven the demand for free range and it will be the consumer that decides what defines the term. The ACCC has made sure they have been given a voice on this issue," concluded McCosker.

AECL, the egg industry peak body, will need to come up with another term for their proposed system and call it something that consumers and genuine free range farmers will accept.

Sustaining Consumer Choice

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 04:40:16 GMT

Making a conscious decision to purchase food for the family table that has been grown under more natural, welfare friendly and sustainable methods is a personal choice and one that we all have the right to make. But just how much do we understand about our food systems, or indeed, how much do we really want to know? The realities of farming animals for food can be confronting.

Knowledge brings with it a sense of responsibility and perhaps a level of accountability that makes us a little uncomfortable especially when we know that all we have to rely on is the wording on a label.

The words free range summon images of farm animals enjoying a bucolic and happy life grazing on open fields and free of the restraints of cages and crates and overcrowding that we have learned are the norm in intensive, factory farms.

We are concerned enough that we are prepared to spend extra money to ensure that the food we bring to our family table is grown with respect for the animal that produced it. We explore the food’s labels and the claims of organic, free range, free roaming and all natural soothe our concerns and give us confidence that we are supporting a production system that farms our food with humanity and respect, giving the animal the best life possible.

Its so much easier to trust in a label that says ‘free range’ and allow it to triggers our own understanding of the term, censoring niggling doubts and consequently ticking off those boxes in our conscience.

Unfortunately our concern for animal welfare, wholesome food production and our faith in food labelling is naïve and being exploited by industry and somewhere in the recesses of our minds we know this but what other choice do we have?

Its not rocket science to figure out that factory farming it is definitely not in the best interest of the animals. Intensive production is about producing eggs and meat at the least possible cost while cutting every corner in the name of efficient production.

Raising animals under free range conditions should have been the solution to factory farming and for a very short while it was. As demand has grown so to has the pressure from major supermarkets to get a piece of the action. Unfortunately not only do the supermarkets want to stock their shelves with free range labels, they want it as cheap as possible. Major supermarkets are now applying the same pressure to free range production: faster, bigger, cheaper.

As they say, knowledge is power so perhaps a quick overview of the humble beginnings of agriculture will enlighten.

The history of agriculture dates back thousands of years and has been defined by different cultures and climates and in more recent times, technology. Modern society and agriculture have grown together and brought about community, human values and a respect for natural resources. Major cities and town have grown up around agricultural centres.

Over the past century large scale agriculture has spread rapidly throughout the developed world with the introduction of machine driven farming equipment and the development of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. These large scale farms are based on monocultures and now dominate the modern farming landscape. Transport systems now allow us to ship produce anywhere in the world. Organised society has come a long way from our original hunter gatherer lifestyle.

We no longer have to give much thought to where tonight’s meal is coming from, or do we? Concerns have been raised over the sustainability of landless or feedlot systems and monocultures typical of intensive farming practices. Intensive farming systems are now often independent of local and natural resources, the very foundation on which modern agriculture was founded Has intensive agriculture gone too far? These concerns have driven the demand for food produced under organic or free range systems and the growth of specialty grocers and farmers markets. There is a ‘back to basics’ movement growing in our rural communities and in the minds of concerned consumers.

Limited time, resources and a lack of awareness of the power they have in their purse, means today’s busy consumer puts blind faith in labels trusting that the supermarkets are accountable for such claims instead of asking those all important questions. They have little concept of how big a difference they could make if they just said ‘I want’. I want truth in labelling. I want free range to be free to range. I want to buy food from sustainable farms and I want and I expect that I am getting what I have paid for.

While the supermarkets are employing smoke and mirror tactics over label claims, the peak egg industry body in Australia is busy bullying government and producers into allowing the intensification of the free range industry without a single concern for what the consumer wants or expects.

The problem of defining free range is a universal one but no other country has tried to push the boundaries of that meaning as far as Australia’s Egg Corporation.

The Australian Egg Corporation is attempting to manipulate the Code of Practice for Animal Welfare for the benefit of the large corporate producers and to appease the supermarkets demands for more free range product. All parties stand to make a tidy profit by taking advantage of the demand for free range all the while assuming the consumer is too ignorant to catch on.

Its time to exert some consumer muscle and send a very loud message to the industry and to government that consumers have driven the demand for free range product and they have an expectation of what free range means and that they will not tolerated being conned. The consumer will decide what free range means.

Humane Choice, a division of Humane Society International, represents true free range producers and they have taken this argument to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission resulting in an ongoing investigation into the Egg Corporations proposal to increase stocking densities for layer hens to 20,000 birds per hectare. The consumer is finally being given a voice but we have a long battle ahead of us to keep the free range industry true.

Sustaining consumer choice is worth fighting for.

Send an online postcard and help keep free range free to range!

South Australian Egg Producers Turn Their Backs on Egg Corporation (Humane Choice Media Release)

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 04:37:47 GMT

Today the Australian Egg Corporation (AECL) convened its Board Forum in Adelaide to an empty room.

AECL sought attendance by all South Australian egg producers at the forum but the majority of producers have boycotted the meeting. The greatest number of egg producers in South Australia are free range farmers who wish to send a clear message to the Board of AECL that they have no confidence in AECL’s ability to represent the interests of genuine free range producers.

“There are 18 free range egg farmers in SA following the guidelines of our Humane Choice Standard or the Model Code of Practice, and have modelled their production systems around stocking densities no higher than 1,500 birds per hectare. These farms represent the majority of producers for this state,” said Lee McCosker, Chief Operating Officer for Humane Choice and spokesperson for SA producers. “These farmers stand to be put out of business by the very organisation that purport to stand beside them should 20,000 hens per hectare become accepted practice and define free range,” continued McCosker.

AECL are struggling to gain any acceptance for their new egg standard that would allow the massive stocking rate increases. Producers have shunned them and are embarrassed by AECL’s attempts to scam consumers, and rightly so. The ACCC has put a hold on the AECL Certification Trademark and called for public comment on the new egg standard, and consumers registered their anger and disbelief at the proposal by AECL in vast numbers.

“Free range producers have offered a very simple solution to this egg labelling dilemma: simply call it something else. No one is saying they can’t produce eggs under these intensive outdoor systems, just be honest and label accordingly,” said McCosker.

Consumer CHOICE hijacked for Producer GAIN? (Humane Choice Media Release)

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 04:39:00 GMT

Last week Australian Egg Corporation launched an attack on consumer advocacy group CHOICE accusing them of misleading consumers about stocking densities for layer hens and claiming that their actions will increase the price of eggs as high as $12.80 per dozen.

“Simply outrageous claims,” says Lee McCosker Chief Operating Officer for Humane Choice. “Egg Corporation is very worried about the power the consumer has on the issue of defining free range egg labels and with a reported 1,200 submissions to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on this very issue, Egg Corp have good reason to worry. The only defence they have left is to attack organisations backing the consumer.”

Australian Egg Corporation have put all their eggs into one basket and had hoped that their new and erroneous interpretation of the Model Code would go unnoticed. The Model Code clearly states: “Outdoors for layer hens a maximum of 1,500 birds per hectare.”

The Model Code is not the only guideline stipulating stocking rates for free range hens. The Environmental Guidelines for the Australian Egg Industry also requires that free range hens “should not have a stocking density in excess of 1,500 birds/ha.”

“We believe the egg industry plans to line the pockets of the big players in this industry have been exposed and know they are pulling out all the stops to keep them on track, even if that means ignoring what the consumer has to say on this matter,” says McCosker.

“There is a much simpler solution and one that will preserve the integrity of the free range industry, and steer it off this path of destruction. We need another egg category to define the production systems that Egg Corporation is promoting. I am sure the money spent defending their current actions could be put to much better use”, suggests McCosker.

A Collective Voice for Consumers and Free Range Hens (Humane Choice Media Release)

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 04:39:53 GMT

Humane Choice True Free Range would like to thank Voiceless, Animals Australia and the RSPCA for their unanimous support of our complaint that resulted in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) calling for public comment on the definition of free range eggs.

The opportunity to express concern or an opinion on the Australian Egg Corporation’s (AECL) proposal to increase layer hen stocking densities to a massive 20,000 birds per hectare closed yesterday.

“Until the ACCC stepped into this debate the consumer had been ignored on this issue. They have now been given a voice and we believe it will be collectively a resounding vote against the AECL proposal,” said Lee McCosker, Chief Operating Officer of Humane Choice. “We anticipate thousands of responses will be delivered to the ACCC.”

Humane Choice brought to the attention of the ACCC the inequity of an application by AECL for a Certification Trademark that was currently before them in March last year.

“We asked the ACCC to reject the application not only because there had not been adequate consultation with all egg producers, but because the consumer stood to be misled by the term ‘free range’ if the application were to be successful, and stocking rates increased to intensive production levels,” said McCosker.

Animal welfare groups have worked together to help uphold this complaint and have been effective in distributing the information needed to help consumers have their say on what they expect from a carton of eggs labelled as ‘free range’.

Coffs Harbour City Council joins fight against Egg Corp’s proposal to change ‘free range’ definition (HSI Media Release)

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 04:40:47 GMT

Humane Society International (HSI) congratulates Councillor John Arkan of Coffs Harbour City Council (CHCC) for joining the fight against Australian Egg Corporation Limited (AECL). AECL recently proposed changes to industry standards allowing an increased stocking density for free range hens from 1,500 to 20,000 birds per hectare, a massive 13 fold increase.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have called for comments on the proposed changes which are now due by 30^th June 2012. Coffs Harbour City Council voted unanimously to make a submission to the ACCC and they hope neighbouring Councils will follow their example and do the same.

Humane Society International calls for other Councils to step in and join Coffs Harbour City Council in an effort to protect consumers, producers, and of course the hens, by arguing that the lower limit of 1,500 hens per hectare must be enforced. The proposed standard would be welcomed by larger industrialized producers because it would allow them to market more of their eggs as ‘free range’, but it could potentially devastate genuine free range egg farmers. If the changes were passed it would also mean that the term ‘free range’ would no longer reflect consumer expectations, affecting consumer confidence in the egg industry.

The Government model for addressing these issues is to put it in the too hard basket and hand it back to industry to self regulate. The history of industry self regulation is a grim one when dealing with livestock issues, as we all witnessed in the recent live trade debate. The way peak industry bodies operate is to favour the large industrial producers at the cost of real Australian farmers. This current egg debate is a good example of how this works. Egg Corporation (AECL) have identified the growing demand for free range eggs but rather than support the true free range farmers in expansion, they want to redefine free range to suit the existing production methods already used by Egg Corp assured farms, running more than 20,000 hens per hectare. This is blatant fraud perpetuated by industry and is being sanctioned by Government.

We applaud Coffs Harbour Council for speaking up for their producers and constituents and encourage other Councils to follow suit.

To find out more about how you can provide comments to the ACCC, due by their extended deadline of 30^th June 2012, click on this link which will take you to the relevant page on our website.

ACCC Calls for Public Comment on 20,000 Hens a Hectare (Humane Choice Media Release)

Thu, 24 May 2012 04:42:20 GMT

Yesterday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) called for public comment on the proposed Australian Egg Corporation’s (AECL) new standard that would allow an increase in stocking density for layer hens to 20,000 birds per hectare.

Humane Choice first brought this matter to the ACCC’s attention fifteen months ago.

“When we learned that the Egg Corporation (AECL) had applied for a Certification Trademark we appealed to the ACCC to reject the application because of the unacceptable proposal to increase stocking rates and the lack of consultation with the egg industry,” said Lee McCosker Chief Operating Officer for Humane Choice. “This did result in putting the AECL plans in a holding pattern and explains why we have not seen the standard released to date, but it also resulted in state wide consultation with producers.”

AECL has had to revise its application several times, with the first submissions not even making reference to the proposed stocking increase even though they had displayed a version of the new standard on the AECL website and informed producers of their intentions.

“It appears the intention of the AECL was to present a standard to the ACCC that suited the larger industrialized producers while seriously marginalizing the genuine free range farmer. We can only trust that the ACCC has recognised this and also acknowledged that the consumer will be disadvantaged if this standard were to ever make it into the marketplace,” McCosker said. “The AECL Egg Standard is not about distinguishing certified producers by the application of the ESA Mark, it is an attempt to make sweeping changes to the entire egg industry, and consumers and true free range farmers will just not tolerate that.”

You can read all about the ACCC call for comment and how to participate at this link www.humanechoice.com.au/accc

Australian Government continues to ignore growing demand for ethical produce while Tasmania bans battery cages and sow stalls (HSI Media Release)

Mon, 21 May 2012 04:43:53 GMT

Humane Society International praises Tasmania’s move to make battery hen farming history as well as fast-tracking the phasing out of sow stalls for pigs in response to increased demand for ethical produce. Being the first Australian state to make this move, Tasmania is making history and is moving towards becoming ‘the humane state of Australia’, leaving the others well behind. The European Union recently celebrated a similar victory, making battery cages illegal at the beginning of 2012, sparing the welfare of at least 300 million hens from these inhumane living conditions.

The battery cage typically holds four or five hens with floor space per bird less than an A4 sheet of paper, preventing them from spreading their wings or displaying the most basic natural behaviours. Poor ventilation, low light levels, and often being forced to stand on a sloping wire mesh floor, only adds to the extreme physical and psychological stress these animals endure. Sow stalls are equally inhumane, confining a pregnant sow to such an extent that she is unable to turn around. Many consumers have responded by attempting to choose free range eggs and pork, favouring the ethical alternatives, however, this can be a challenging task with no labelling laws in Australia to distinguish the true free range products.

“As there are no laws in place in Australia to enforce clear labelling of ethically produced meat and eggs, the rights of consumers and small producers are sacrificed because humane products are so difficult to identify,” says Verna Simpson, HSI Director. “If the Australian Government refuses to improve labelling laws and instead continues to allow for consumers to be misled, then Tasmania could secure a major proportion of the emerging market for ethical produce.”

The move towards ethical farming methods by both Tasmania and the EU only highlights an even greater need for the remaining Australian states to follow suit and step up, following their example. The $2.5 million initiative puts Tasmania at the forefront of animal welfare standards. They are placing an immediate ban on future battery hen operations and capping existing hen stock during the transition. They have also committed to phase out sow stalls by mid-2013, well before the industry’s target of 2017. Again, Australia falls well behind given that sow stalls were banned over a decade ago in countries such as the UK.

Although HSI will continue to work towards the legislation of truth in labelling for ethical produce so consumers are no longer misled and small producers are protected, we have today written to Tasmanian Primaries Industry Minister Bryan Green requesting a meeting to discuss the potential for Tasmania to become ‘the Humane State’.

Is It Free Range? Ask for PROOF! (Humane Choice Media Release)

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:46:39 GMT

Humane Choice has launched a new campaign in a bid to bring some clarity to the free range egg debate. With Australian Egg Corporation hell bent on commandeering the free range market for its largest members and ignoring the consumer, the genuine true free range egg producers look like being put out of business unless there is some way of telling the intensive eggs from the real deal.

“There are two things that the industrialized producers will never be able to guarantee consumers and they are that their hens were grazed on pasture, and that they were given plenty of room to move and forage naturally as part of a sustainable farming system. PROOF is an acronym for ‘Pasture Raised On Open Fields’ and that is exactly what our producers provide,” said Lee McCosker, Chief Operating Officer for Humane Choice. “We are encouraging all free range producers from all livestock systems to get behind this campaign and let the public know that if they are going to purchase free range eggs, chicken, or pork, they must ask for PROOF.”

Egg Corporation has employed every tactic possible, from scare mongering about having to import eggs to contemptible lies about nonexistent science supporting their proposed increase in stocking densities to 20,000 hens per hectare. There have even been outrageous claims of needing to feed the world with free range eggs and that without an increase in hen stocking rates, prices would increase to over $12 a dozen. All this is just propaganda to secure the industry for those at the top of the ladder and sitting on the board of Australian Egg Corporation.

“The consumer is so confused and without a legal definition for free range, they are being taken advantage of and ripped off. We need to sustain consumer choice and simplify this debate for them. When buying free range eggs simply ask for PROOF. Humane Choice certification will offer all the proof you need that your eggs are true free range,” says McCosker.

Egg Corporation Misuses Scientific Study

Tue, 01 May 2012 22:30:40 GMT

Australian Egg Corporation Purposely Misrepresents Study for Own Gain

Australian Egg Corporation (AECL) have based an increase in stocking densities for free range hens to 20,000 per hectare based on a study by the Avian Science Research Centre in Scotland.

The study, entitled “Behavioural responses to different floor space allowances in small groups of laying hens”, is just that; a study of space allowances for hens kept indoors, not in a free range environment.

The study does make reference to free range hens but only when it acknowledges that outdoor allowances in the EU is 40,000 cm2 per bird, an equivalent of 2,500 birds per hectare.

The Scottish Research Centre has confirmed to us that this study relates only to indoor hens and that conclusions about free range stocking densities cannot be drawn from this study without alteration and considerable research on what is acceptable outdoors to back it up.

What this study does tell us is that we should be reducing indoor stocking densities for Australian flocks from a currently allowable 15 to just 2 birds per square metre.

Unfortunately we don’t believe that AECL will be as keen to adopt the findings of this study to address stocking densities for intensively housed sheds as this would severely impact on the profits of the large cage and barn producers, the same producers in many instances that are behind the push to increase free range densities.

This is an embarrassing situation for AECL but signals just what lengths they will go to to secure the free range industry for their larger members without any regard for the consumer, the environment or the true free range farmer.

AECL have now attempted to reinvent the intent and meaning of not only the Model Code of Practice with their erroneous interpretations, but now they have done the same to science, the very foundation they claim to base the egg industry’s practices on.

Legislate Truth in Labelling – ‘free-range’ must remain free to range (Humane Choice Media Release)

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:47:36 GMT

Animal welfare is intrinsically linked to farming practices and the ethics of the producer. Humane Choice has long been an advocate for farmers that are committed to a whole of farm philosophy where animals are not just viewed as a commodity; they are an integral part of the farm.

“The intensification of free range production does not fit with our philosophy or consumer expectations,” says Lee McCosker, Chief Operating Officer for Humane Choice. “Our farmers have worked hard to promote a free range alternative and this market has grown substantially over the past 5 years. They are now fighting to hold on to that. When the industry peak body’s sole motivation is profit, how can we entrust truth in labelling to them that encompasses all our concerns and includes animal welfare, the environment and consumer rights?”

The Greens NSW have been pushing for a standard definition of free-range eggs and measures to stop unscrupulous producers falsely claiming free range status. Humane Choice supports such a move and encourages anyone that believes in truth in labelling to get behind this Bill and let their local member know that they must be heard on this issue.

There is a growing movement of ‘back to basics’ farmers that want to produce food, not just a commodity. They want to embrace community, old fashioned human values and farm their livestock and land with respect. If you would like to learn more, join Lee McCosker on the 7th May at Leichhardt Town Hall where she will speak about the issues important to free range pastured egg producers and consumers alike and what you can do to support them.

Choice & RSPCA excluded from Egg Labelling Forum

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:38:20 GMT

No sunny side with free-range change

Alexandra Smith

April 24, 2012

Scrambled ... Choice and the RSPCA were excluded from formal talks on how free-range eggs should be labelled.

SHOPPERS are being kept in the dark over plans for a new definition for the term free-range, the consumer group Choice has warned after it was excluded from formal talks on resolving the dispute over how eggs should be labelled.

The RSPCA was also not invited to take part in the state government's truth-in-labelling reference group, which will meet for the final time today in an effort to bring an end to the inconsistent terms used on egg cartons in NSW.

Egg labelling has become a contentious issue after the Australian Egg Corporation, which represents most egg producers, devised a new standard that would allow a free-range egg farm to have as many as 20,000 chickens per hectare.

Free-range farmers and animal welfare groups are outraged by the new standard, which they say is unethical and will not give consumers any confidence in the free-range industry. The present model code allows 1500 chickens per hectare.

A spokeswoman for Choice, Ingrid Just, said it made a request to the office of the Minister for Primary Resources, Katrina Hodgkinson, and the NSW Food Authority to take part in the talks as observers but was denied access.

''Our main concern is that consumers' voices will not be heard and without any consumer representation at this forum, it will be very hard for the minister to get an idea of what consumers expect when purchasing free-range,'' Ms Just said.

The RSPCA, which endorses many free-range egg farms and allows them to use the organisation's logo on their packaging, was also excluded from the labelling forum, despite its extensive work in animal welfare.

''RSPCA Australia was not invited and is disappointed to have not been included in these discussions,'' an RSPCA spokeswoman said.

But a spokeswoman for the NSW Food Authority said the labelling forum was convened to facilitate an ''industry-supported resolution to egg labelling challenges''.

She said major industry representatives were involved in the forum but consumer advocates may become involved in the process ''further down the track, once the scope of the issue has been gauged''.

The Greens MP John Kaye said the forum was never intended to protect consumers and genuine free-range farmers.

''Its membership, timeline and internal processes were carefully crafted to guarantee an ineffective outcome that leaves the big industrial producers unconstrained by a legislated definition of free-range,'' Dr Kaye said.

A New Twist to The Free Range Debate

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:46:09 GMT

A New Twist to The Free Range Egg Debate

A new twist in the free range egg labelling debate. NSW Food Authority to weigh in on truth in labelling.

The NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, has convened an Egg Labelling Forum to "facilitate industry in resolving its long standing difficulties with egg labelling, in particular the inconsistent use of terms on eggs to which a premium is applied."

While this sounds promising, dont get too excited because the terms of reference have already been changed and the word 'inconsistent' removed.

Another glitch is that the Food Authority cannot consider animal welfare, production systems, the environment or consumer rights when considering defining truth in labelling.

So what is there? What does this mean?

Food Authority are proposing to endorse Quality Assurance schemes that are displayed on eggs and will keep a register of those that meet their approval.

Does this mean we can now confidently buy free range eggs?

No! Nothing could be further from the truth. The Food Authority will endorse any scheme, 20,000 or 100,000 hens per hectare, it doesn't matter as long as you are part of a scheme and follow their rules.

This means we will then see an array of 'certification' marks and claims of accredited free range flood the supermarket shelves and compound the confusion over free range that already exists. These eggs could be from farms with even lower standards than the Code of Practice for Animal Welfare but as long as they make their standards available it will not be illegal.

It will be up to the consumer to research each QA scheme and find out what those standards are.

It seems the path has been cleared for Egg Corporation's new proposal of 20,000 birds per hectare but the scary thing is this could end up being the minimum standard as big producers develop their own QA schemes with much much higher stocking rates.

Outraged as we are? Let Katrina Hodgkinson know that you will not stand for this and that you want government to support the NSW Egg Labelling Bill and legislation stocking densities for true free range hens at 1,500 per hectare.

office@hodgkinson.minister.nsw.gov.au

Lee McCosker from Humane Choice is a member of the Egg Labelling Forum and happy to answer any questions here.

Join Lee on 7th May at 7pm at Leichhardt Town Hall for the launch of the Egg Labelling Bill. See more details here book a place!

ACC Takes Action Against Rosies's Free Range Eggs

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 03:49:52 GMT

ACCC begins Federal Court proceedings against Rosie's Free Range Eggs

· by: Verity Edwards

· From: The Australian

· March 09, 2012 12:00AM

FAMILY business Barossa Fine Foods has built its reputation on selling quality meats and smallgoods.

But it is worried after learning it has been distributing eggs from a company being prosecuted by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission.

The ACCC announced yesterday that it had begun Federal Court proceedings against Rosie's Free Range Eggs, alleging that "a substantial proportion of the eggs were not free-range but cage eggs".

The consumer watchdog alleges that between March 2007 and October 2010, Rosemary Bruhn represented that eggs she supplied to 117 retail outlets, including bakeries, cafes and restaurants, were free-range when many were not.

Ms Bruhn's Eudunda farm is 110km north of Adelaide. Her website and cartons show pictures of chickens in lavender fields.

She appeared in 2006 on the defunct ABC program The Cook and The Chef.

The company claims to be audited annually by Southern Eggs. Neither Southern Eggs nor Ms Bruhn returned calls yesterday. Barossa Fine Foods has been selling up to 300 dozen of Rosie's Free Range Eggs weekly for almost a decade at its eight South Australian stores.

General manager Stephan Knoll said yesterday it was a shock to hear of the ACCC allegations, given his company's long association with Ms Bruhn.

"We try to look after local businesses, but if she's found to be doing the wrong thing it makes it difficult" to support her, he said. "We'll wait for the findings, but if there's any truth to this we'll consider taking them off the shelves."

Barossa Fine Foods prided itself on integrity, he said, and an association with any allegedly misleading company would not reflect well on his business.

"It's not whether they're cage or free-range, it's the truth that we're concerned about."

Mr Knoll is on the committee of regional body Barossa Food, of which Rosie's Free Range Eggs is also a member.

He said Barossa Food would reconsider Ms Bruhn's membership if the court found against her.

A Federal Court directions hearing is listed for March 28.

McDonalds move towards an ed for sow stalls

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:54:01 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McDonald’s Takes Action Toward Ending Gestation Stall Use; Humane Society of the United States Supports Effort

(Feb. 13, 2012) undefined McDonald’s Corporation today announced that it will require its U.S. pork suppliers to outline their plans to phase out the use of sow gestation stalls, a move supported by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

“McDonald’s believes gestation stalls are not a sustainable production system for the future. There are alternatives that we think are better for the welfare of sows,” said Dan Gorsky, senior vice president of McDonald’s North America Supply Chain Management. “McDonald’s wants to see the end of sow confinement in gestation stalls in our supply chain. We are beginning an assessment with our U.S. suppliers to determine how to build on the work already underway to reach that goal. In May, after receiving our suppliers’ plans, we’ll share results from the assessment and our next steps.”

“The HSUS has been a long-time advocate for ending the use of gestation crates, and McDonald’s announcement is important and promising,” said Wayne Pacelle, The HSUS’ president and CEO. “All animals deserve humane treatment, including farm animals, and it’s just wrong to immobilize animals for their whole lives in crates barely larger than their bodies.”

McDonald’s actions are backed by leading independent animal welfare experts, including renowned scientist Dr. Temple Grandin. “Moving from gestation stalls to better alternatives will improve the welfare of sows and I’m pleased to see McDonald’s working with its suppliers toward that end. It takes a thorough plan to address the training of animal handlers, proper feeding systems, and the significant financial investment and logistics involved with such a big change. I’m optimistic about this announcement,” said Dr. Grandin.

Gorsky added, “We are pleased to see a number of our U.S. suppliers adopting commercially-viable alternatives. For example, Smithfield Foods and Cargill have made significant progress in this area. We applaud these, and future, efforts.”

-30-

Media Contacts:

Lisa McComb, McDonald’s, lisa.mccomb@us.mcd.com, 630-623-3707
Anna West, HSUS, awest@humanesociety.org, 240-751-2669

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization undefined backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty undefined On the Web athumanesociety.org.

Just How Much Healthier are Pasture Raised Eggs?

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:57:42 GMT

Meet Real Free-Range Eggs

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-10-01/Tests-Reveal-Healthier-Eggs.aspx

By Cheryl Long and Tabitha Alterman

Most of the eggs currently sold in supermarkets are nutritionally inferior to eggs produced by hens raised on pasture. That’s the conclusion we have reached following completion of the 2007 Mother Earth News egg testing project. Our testing has found that, compared to official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient data for commercial eggs, eggs from hens raised on pasture may contain:

• 1/3 less cholesterol
• 1/4 less saturated fat
• 2/3 more vitamin A
• 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids
• 3 times more vitamin E
• 7 times more beta carotene

These amazing results come from 14 flocks around the country that range freely on pasture or are housed in moveable pens that are rotated frequently to maximize access to fresh pasture and protect the birds from predators. We had six eggs from each of the 14 pastured flocks tested by an accredited laboratory in Portland, Ore. The chart at the end of this article shows the average nutrient content of the samples, compared with the official egg nutrient data from the USDA for “conventional” (i.e. from confined hens) eggs. The chart lists the individual results from each flock.

The 2007 results are similar to those from 2005, when we tested eggs from four flocks all managed as truly free range. But our tests are not the first to show that pastured eggs are more nutritious undefined see “Mounting Evidence” below for a summary of six studies that all indicated that pastured eggs are richer in nutrients than typical supermarket eggs.

We think these dramatically differing nutrient levels are most likely the result of the different diets of birds that produce these two types of eggs. True free-range birds eat a chicken’s natural diet undefined all kinds of seeds, green plants, insects and worms, usually along with grain or laying mash. Factory farm birds never even see the outdoors, let alone get to forage for their natural diet. Instead they are fed the cheapest possible mixture of corn, soy and/or cottonseed meals, with all kinds of additives undefined see “The Caged Hen’s Diet” below.

The conventional egg industry wants very much to deny that free-range/pastured eggs are better than eggs from birds kept in crowded, inhumane indoor conditions. A statement on the American Egg Board’s Web site says “True free-range eggs are those produced by hens raised outdoors or that have daily access to the outdoors.”

Baloney. They’re trying to duck the issue by incorrectly defining “true free-range.” And the USDA isn’t helping consumers learn the truth, either: “Allowed access to the outside” is how the USDA defines “free-range.” This inadequate definition means that producers can, and do, label their eggs as “free-range” even if all they do is leave little doors open on their giant sheds, regardless of whether the birds ever learn to go outside, and regardless of whether there is good pasture or just bare dirt or concrete outside those doors!

Both organizations need to come clean. True free-range eggs are those from hens that range outdoors on pasture, which means they can do what’s natural undefined forage for all manner of green plants and insects.

The Egg Board statement goes on to say: “The nutrient content of eggs is not affected by whether hens are raised free-range or in floor or cage operations.”

Again, that is hogwash. They think they can simply ignore the growing body of evidence that clearly shows that eggs are superior when the hens are allowed to eat their natural diet. Or maybe they think it’s OK to mislead the public to protect egg producers’ bottom line.

After we published our first report about the high nutrient levels in pastured eggs, the Egg Nutrition Council questioned our “suggestion” that pastured eggs were better in their Aug. 8, 2005, newsletter:

“Barring special diets or breeds, egg nutrients are most likely similar for egg-laying hens, no matter how they are raised.” There’s that double-speak, again: “Barring special diets ...” Since when are diets not a part of how chickens are raised? Come on, people, we’ve cited six studies (see "Mounting Evidence", below) showing that pastured eggs are better. The best you can say is “most likely” this evidence is wrong? Cite some science to support your assertions! The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association offers the same misleading statement on its Web site:

“What are free-range eggs? Free-range eggs are from hens that live outdoors or have access to the outdoors. The nutrient content of eggs from free-range hens is the same as those from hens housed in production facilities with cages.”

It’s amazing what a group can do with a $20 million annual budget. That’s what factory-farm egg producers pay to fund the AEB each year to convince the public to keep buying their eggs, which we now believe are substandard.

The Egg Board’s misleading claims about free-range/pastured eggs pervade the Internet, even though the Board has been aware of the evidence about the nutrient differences at least since our 2005 report. We found virtually the same (unsubstantiated) claim denying any difference in nutrient content on Web sites of the American Council on Science and Health (an industry-funded nonprofit), the Iowa Egg Council, the Georgia Egg Commission, the Alberta (Canada) Egg Producers, Hormel Foods, CalMaine Foods and NuCal Foods (“the largest distributor of shell eggs in the Western United States”).

But the most ridiculous online comments turned up at www.supermarketguru.com, a site maintained by a “food trends consultant.” It says:

“FREE RANGE: Probably the most misunderstood of all claims, it’s important to note that hens basically stay near their food, water and nests, and the idea of a happy-go-lucky bird scampering across a field is far from the natural way of life. The claim only means that the hens have access to the outdoors, not that they avail themselves of the opportunity. The hens produce fewer eggs so they are more expensive; higher product costs add to the price of the eggs. The nutrient content is the same as other eggs.”

If you’ve ever been around chickens, you know that whoever wrote that hasn’t. Chickens will spend almost their entire day ranging around a property scratching and searching for food. Even as tiny chicks, they are naturally curious and will begin eating grass and pecking curiously at any insects or even specks on the walls of their brooder box. “Scampering across a field,” looking for food, is precisely their natural way of life.

Supermarket Guru did get one thing right, though. Free-range/pastured eggs are likely to be more expensive because production costs are higher. As usual, you get what you pay for. If you buy the cheapest supermarket eggs, you are not only missing out on the valuable nutrients eggs should and can contain, you are also supporting an industrial production system that treats animals cruelly and makes more sustainable, small-scale egg production difficult.

You can raise pastured chickens easily right in your back yard undefined see our recent articles about how to do it here. Or you can find pastured eggs at local farmstands and farmers markets, or sometimes at the supermarket. Tell the store manager you want eggs from pastured hens, and encourage the manager to contact local producers. To find pastured producers near you, check out Where to Buy

Free range eggs to end civilization as we know it??

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:02:21 GMT

In what can only be described as in a haze of hysteria, Australian Egg Corporation has printed an article in their latest Newsletter prophesying the 'end of civilization as we know it' should we spurn their propaganda on the labelling of free range eggs.

Humane Choice brings a reasoned response to the article.

High Politics and Low Blows - A Rebuttal
Australian Egg Corp Progegganda

Lee McCosker gives a Humane Choice perspective on the Australian Egg Corp article entitled 'High Politics and Low Blows in NSW' by Kai Ianssen. Read the article here ....

Pig cruelty case finally goes to trial - UPDATE

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:05:01 GMT

Despite confusing information from the WA Department of Agriculture and Food, long serving Board Member of Australian Pork Limited (APL), Mr Neil Ferguson, will stand trial for animal cruelty tomorrow, 25^th November, in Perth.

Ten charges of cruelty to pigs have been laid against Mr Ferguson and many other charges against members of his staff at Westpork Ltd.

The Criminal Registry has confirmed that six matters are listed for trial under section 19 (1) & 19 (3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act, and that another four charges are listed for an argument on the particulars. The matter is set down for a full day hearing from 9.30 am.

Westpork and Ferguson have been charged with an additional four charges of animal cruelty not in duplication. Further charges are set down for mention on 14^th December.

This is the second time that Mr Ferguson has appeared before the courts on charges of cruelty yet requests for Mr Ferguson to be removed from the Board of APL, Australia’s peak industry body for pork producers had been dismissed.

Ferguson is also the Chairperson of the WA Agriculture Produce Commission Pork Producers Committee that funds the West Australian Pork Producers Association (WAPPA) and industry training.

Concerns are mounting that a recent reshuffle of the State’s Animal Welfare Legislation administration will allow the Westpork cruelty matters to dissipate while Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) struggle to get themselves prepared to for the looming trial date.

“We are concerned that the change in administration from Local Government to DAFWA will mean that this matter will not be given the full attention that it needs. If DAFWA fumble because they lack preparedness, Mr Ferguson could walk free on a technicality for a second time. Our inquiries so far have given cause for concern,” says Lee McCosker, Chief Operating Officer of Humane Choice. “Our calls to the Department in the lead up to Friday’s case indicate they are confused about Friday’s matter and were unsure if it was even a trial date. The Department state that they are committed to monitoring welfare and enforcing the Act so we certainly hope that they stand by that statement and ensure their staff are fully engaged for this trial.”

DAFWA does have a role to play in protecting animals from cruelty. Let’s hope they are on the ball for this one.

Further information:

Criminal Matters

Telephone: (08) 9425 2222
Facsimile: (08) 9425 2777
Criminal Listings Email: pmclistings@justice.wa.gov.au

Pig Cruelty Case Finally Goes to Trial (HSI Media Release)

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:08:02 GMT

Long serving board member of Australian Pork Limited (APL), Mr Neil Ferguson will stand trial for animal cruelty on the 25^th of this month in Perth.

Ten charges of cruelty to pigs have been laid against Mr Ferguson and many other charges have been laid against members of his staff at Westpork Ltd.

Concerns are mounting that a recent reshuffle of the State’s Animal Welfare Legislation Administration will allow the Westpork cruelty matters to dissipate while the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) struggle to get themselves prepared for the looming trial date.

“We are concerned that the change in administration from Local Government to DAFWA will mean that this matter will not be given the full attention that it needs. If DAFWA fumble because they lack preparedness, Mr Ferguson could walk free on a technicality for a second time. Our inquiries so far have given cause for concern,” says Lee McCosker, Chief Operating Officer of Humane Choice. “Our calls to the Department on the lead up to Friday’s case indicate they are confused about Friday’s matter and were unsure if it was even a trial date. The Department states that they are committed to monitoring welfare and enforcing the Act so we certainly hope that they stand by that statement and ensure their staff are fully engaged for this trial.”

DAFWA does have a role to play in protecting animals from cruelty. Let’s hope they are on the ball for this one.

Pig Cruelty Case Finally Goes to Trial

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:07:14 GMT

Long serving board member of Australian Pork Limited (APL), Mr Neil Ferguson will stand trial for animal cruelty on the 25^th of this month in Perth.

Ten charges of cruelty to pigs have been laid against Mr Ferguson and many other charges have been laid against members of his staff at Westpork Ltd.

“We are concerned that the change in administration from Local Government to DAFWA will mean that this matter will not be given the full attention that it needs. If DAFWA fumble because they lack preparedness, Mr Ferguson could walk free on a technicality for a second time. Our inquiries so far have given cause for concern,” says Lee McCosker, Chief Operating Officer of Humane Choice. “Our calls to the Department on the lead up to Friday’s case indicate they are confused about Friday’s matter and were unsure if it was even a trial date. The Department states that they are committed to monitoring welfare and enforcing the Act so we certainly hope that they stand by that statement and ensure their staff are fully engaged for this trial.”

DAFWA does have a role to play in protecting animals from cruelty. Let’s hope they are on the ball for this one.

HSI Calls for Meat & Livestock Australia to Step Down from Animal Welfare Roles (HSI Media Release)

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:09:36 GMT

Humane Society International (HSI) is supporting the Greens Party in calling for the closure of Australia’s leading livestock producer representative, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), in light of their failure to properly self-regulate and support strong and effective animal welfare standards and practices within the industry.

“As we have seen from MLA’s failure to effect high animal welfare standards during the horrible events uncovered in Indonesian abattoirs, they obviously do not have the intent nor the capabilities to meet their responsibilities,” said HSI Director, Verna Simpson. “MLA has demonstrated that they cannot be both the marketing authority and the animal welfare authority, and the responsibility for animal welfare must be taken out of their hands.”

“In light of this situation and the MLA’s inability to monitor and improve animal welfare, it is clear that Australia needs a public body to provide accurate and independent advice on animal welfare matters,” Ms Simpson stated. “HSI is calling for the creation of a new governing entity which can effectively manage animal welfare issues – under the broad banner of a Ministry of Food.”

According to a Beef Levy Review report conducted by the MLA in 2009, the authority states their intention to budget a mere $186,000 a year for improving animal welfare standards until at least 2015.

“From beef producer levies alone, the MLA totals $70 million in revenue a year. It further receives $38 million annually from the Government for research and development. To consider that MLA has budgeted a paltry $186,000 annually for improving cattle welfare is outrageous, and cannot be accepted,” said Ms Simpson.

“Discarding MLA and establishing an independent auditor under a new Ministry of Food will provide for much stronger scrutiny and regulation and vastly improved implementation of key animal welfare standards.”

Industry Feathers Its Own Nest with Misleading Free Range Logo (Humane Choice Media Release)

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:10:26 GMT

Humane Choice has taken an unprecedented stand in support of small free range producers nationally and today has shone the spotlight on the Australian egg industry’s peak industry body Australian Egg Corporation (Egg Corp) and the inequity of its Egg Corp Assured program. The industry owned quality assurance program is to come under scrutiny for its bias towards large producers and the misuse of their Egg Corp Assured Trademark.

“Egg Corp has taken advantage of producer and consumer confusion over standards, codes of practice, production definitions and accreditation logos for far too long,” stated Chief Operating Officer for Humane Choice, Lee McCosker. “We have Codes of Practice in place for animal welfare and environmental management for free range egg production that make a very clear statement about what the acceptable stocking density is for free range hens and that is 1500 birds per hectare. Stocking rates are not ‘uncapped’ as Egg Corp would have us believe.”

Egg Corp administers the Egg Corp Assured program that licences producers to use their logo on egg cartons. The quality assurance program operates under a certification trademark and as such indicates to consumers that the eggs carrying that logo meet a particular standard. In this case, that producers meet the requirements of the Model Code of Practice for Animal Welfare – Domestic Poultry.

In recent media, Egg Corp have acknowledged that their audits have revealed free range stocking densities in excess of 50,000 birds per hectare.

Egg Corp is in breach of their own standards and rules of their quality assurance program and has allowed producers to misrepresent their product. Egg Corp have effectively licensed producers to deceive the public into believing that all eggs labelled free range and carrying the Egg Corp Assured logo act within the guidelines of the Code of Practice when this is generally not the case.

Egg Industry Vetoes Labelling Transparency (Humane Choice Media Release)

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:12:24 GMT

The Animal Welfare Labels (www.animalwelfarelabels.org.au) website has been developed to help take the confusion and guesswork out of all the terms and labels that consumers are faced with by presenting common conditions in standards for welfare-focused cattle, sheep, pig, and poultry certification schemes. It gives consumers the opportunity to see the detail of the standards behind the label.

Australian Egg Corporation has announced to its members that it does not endorse such a guide and suggests that there is little benefit in being a part of it. That is a slap in the face to consumers who would like to make informed decisions and to the true free range producers who are proud of their standards and want to reach markets that are seeking higher welfare outcomes.

“When the egg industry is facing such turbulent times over labelling issues, one would have thought this website would be embraced by industry and be seen as a golden opportunity to provide clarity and transparency for claims made on egg cartons,” says Lee McCosker of Humane Choice. “Humane Choice is a participant on this website because it provides a chance for producers to showcase their production system and define the husbandry and housing they employ on their farms."

Misleading claims abound when it comes to labelling free range products and the animalwelfarelabels.org.au website is a one stop shop that allows consumers to compare brands and accreditation bodies.

We would encourage all free range egg producers who are proud of their production standards to add their information to the website, in spite of AECL suggesting there is no benefit. The only one not to benefit from this site is AECL and their outrageous idea of what constitutes free range.

“This site is the only place you can compare production standards and it illustrates the gap between real free range and the industrialised version of free range,” says Ms McCosker. “We are urging producers to add their weight to the free range debate by adding their standards to Animal Welfare Labels in spite of Australian Egg Corporation’s suggestion that there is no benefit. If you are a small producer working to high welfare standards this may be your last chance to be differentiated from farms with 40,000 hens per hectare."

Truth in Labelling Bill – Integrity for Free Range Industry (Humane Choice Media Release)

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:13:39 GMT

Until now, it has pretty much been a free-for-all when it comes to labelling free range eggs.

The burgeoning demand has led to some producers simply re-inventing themselves with clever marketing and incorporating the words ‘free’ or ‘free range’ into their brand to capture a share of this market. Consumer needs and wants have been ignored, or just exploited by those that have chosen to misrepresent their product.

Consumers have an expectation when they purchase free range eggs. At the very least there should be some guarantee that these birds are actually free to range. Allowing massive increases in stocking densities for outdoor birds will only line the pockets of intensive producers and will be detrimental to consumer perceptions of the free range industry, the health and welfare of the birds, and damaging to the environment.

Industry is almost frantic to take control of the term free range and has attempted to implement these changes quietly without full producer consultation or, more importantly, without consideration for just what the consumer perceives free range to be.

“Feeding a growing population is no justification for hijacking the term free range,” says Lee McCosker from Humane Choice. “What the Australian Egg Corporation is proposing is not only socially and environmentally irresponsible, but would also be the equivalent of hen feed lots. The term ‘free range’ belongs to those producers that are truly committed to giving the consumer the ethical product that they seek. The choice is the consumer’s to make and must not be taken from them with deceptive labelling. If it’s not free to range, simply call it something else.”

Humane Choice will be attending the launch of the Greens’ Truth in Labelling Bill (for free range eggs) to show our support for this much needed initiative. We need legislation now that will define free range and protect not only the consumer, but the welfare of layer hens and the environment.

Press Release from Free Range Egg and Poultry Association

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:05:06 GMT

The argument for a national definition for 'free range' eggs

There is now a broad agreement in the egg industry that clear, legal definitions need to be established for different methods of production.

A national definition for free range egg production is firmly on the agenda and submissions are being made to the Federal Government to implement a standard.

The Free Range Farmers Association in Victoria and the national industry body, Free Range Egg and Poultry Association have been pushing for many years that a national definition should be established for free range production systems which meets consumer expectations.

These arguments have been boosted by the Australian Egg Corporation's managing director, James Kellaway, who has said: “We have definitions that are enforced by the industry but we want to make such definitions more robust and definitive … what we'd like to see is a definition that is clearly enunciated and enforced”

The Free Range Egg and Poultry Association of Australia Inc. welcomes that announcement and has again written to the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Joe Ludwig, re-opening the debate for the development of a clear definition for free range egg production.

The Association has argued that the starting point should be the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Domestic Poultry. The definition should require a maximum outdoor stocking density of 1500 hens per hectare and prohibit the beak trimming or de-beaking of birds.

Currently, many producers who label their eggs as 'free range' run stocking densities well above the 1500 bird limit. AECL has revealed that some farms run as many as 40,000 chickens per hectare.

The Model Code requires producers to find alternative measures to combat feather pecking and cannibalism before resorting to beak trimming – but most farms (even those which claim to be free range) make no attempt to find alternatives. Their birds are beaked trimmed at day old or soon after.

The Australian Egg Corporation is currently trying to implement a new standard for a version of free range production that will allow a stocking density of up to 20,000 birds per hectare and will allow beak trimming as a matter of course.

Industry practice has shown that beak trimming is totally unnecessary for hens on a free range farm – unless the farm is over stocked.

More details

Phil Westwood

President

Free Range Egg and Poultry Association of Australia Inc

0402070531

Westpork Piggery and General Manager in Court today (HSI Media Release)

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:15:24 GMT

The charges against Westpork Pty Ltd’s piggery in Gingin, Western Australia will be heard in the Perth Magistrates Court today.

The Westpork piggery has been charged with animal cruelty offences resulting from a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. Mr. Ferguson is the general manager of Westpork and an Australian Pork Limited (APL) Director.

The Western Australian Department of Local Government has confirmed that more than thirty charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 have been placed against the Westpork piggery, which has been under investigation by the courts since January 2009. Further charges have been laid after a secondary investigation was conducted. The proponents have been specifically charged relating to animals suffering harm under the charge of a person(s) which could be alleviated by taking of reasonable steps (Sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002).

“As general manager for Westpork, Mr. Ferguson holds a highly accountable role in the current charges against the piggery,” states HSI director Verna Simpson. “It is wholly inappropriate for a person who has been charged with an animal cruelty offence to continue to be a representative on the board of the industry body. HSI has continued to call on APL to remove Mr. Ferguson from his position whilst he answers these serious charges, yet to date they have refused.”

The charges laid against Westpork are now the second time Mr. Ferguson has been involved in breaches against animal welfare legislation within two years.

“Now, with even more charges to be laid against Westpork and Neil Ferguson, HSI is keen to see justice served.”

The case is listed for hearing at the Perth Magistrates Court, Central Law Courts, 501 Hay Street at 10am (Perth local time), Court Room 55

Westpork case for animal cruelty goes to court today (HSI Media Release)

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 05:16:51 GMT

The charges against Westpork Pty Ltd’s piggery in Gingin, Western Australia, will be heard in court today.

The Westpork piggery has been charged with animal cruelty offences resulting from a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. Mr. Ferguson is the general manager of Westpork and an Australian Pork Limited (APL) director.

The Western Australian Department of Local Government has confirmed that more than thirty charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 have been placed against the Westpork piggery, which has been under investigation by the courts since January 2009. Further charges have been laid after a secondary investigation was conducted. The proponents have been specifically charged relating to animals suffering harm under the charge of a person(s) which could be alleviated by taking of reasonable steps (Sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002).

“As general manager for Westpork, Mr. Ferguson holds a highly accountable role in the current charges against the piggery,” states HSI director, Verna Simpson. “It is wholly inappropriate for a person who has been charged with an animal cruelty offence to continue to be a representative on the board of the industry body. HSI has asked the APL that Mr. Ferguson be removed from his position and hopes that today’s charges will influence this.”

“The charges laid against Westpork are now the second time Mr. Ferguson has been involved in breaches against animal welfare legislation within two years,” Simpson explains. “Now, with even more charges to be laid against Westpork and Neil Ferguson, HSI is keen to see justice served.”

Westpork case for animal cruelty goes to court today

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 03:22:04 GMT

Westpork case for animal cruelty goes to court today.

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

The charges against Westpork Pty Ltd’s piggery in Gingin, Western Australia, will be heard in court today.

The Westpork piggery has been charged with animal cruelty offences resulting from a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2002, Mr. Ferguson is the general manager of Westpork and an Australian Pork Limited (APL) director.

Humane Society Scholarship for Farm Animal Welfare

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:27:03 GMT

Universityof Queensland Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics

and

Humane Society International

Roz Dixon Memorial Scholarship

for Farm Animal Welfare Research

The scholarship will be provided for research that addresses issues in intensive farming that would have the potential to eliminate practices that impact on an animal’s ability to express natural behaviours such as:

· nurturing their young,

· interacting with their herd or flock,

· freedom for movement and exercise,

· minimizing stress in their environment and handling,

· alternatives to surgical procedures.

For further information tel. +61 7 5460 1158; mobile 0406340133 or email c.phillips@uq.edu.au

Applications for the 2011 Scholarships close on Tuesday 30th August 2011.

Mini, Micro, Teacup Pigs

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 04:30:11 GMT

Micro pigs, mini pigs….. it’s a very disturbing trend that has almost turned pigs into a fashion accessory. Paris Hilton started this current porcine craze when she purchased her mini pig, Miss Piglette.

A micro pig, or tea cup pig as they are called overseas, is a very different animal to the mini pigs available in Australia. Micro pigs are bred from an array of smaller breeds including the Kune Kune and the Potbelly pig, breeds that are just not available in this country.

So how do we breed mini pigs in Australia? Our genetics are very limited and those that we do have are for the larger breeds of pigs – Landrace, Large White, Large Black, Duroc and a couple of others. These are very large animals weighing in at between 200 and 300 kilos at maturity. There is one type of pig here that is relatively small at that is the feral pig.

Unfortunately there is no such thing as a true mini pig in Australia. These tiny oinkers are bred from the runts of litters and then malnourished to prevent them from reaching their full growth potential.

The rigid diet set out by the breeders of these mini pigs is severely lacking in nutrition and is basically designed for maintenance of body condition with nothing left over for growth. The only way to keep a mini pig mini is to stunt its growth. You have to virtually starve it otherwise it will grow into quite a large animal. Even the must-have micro pigs sold overseas are subjected to this kind of dietary madness.

But the cruelty to these tiny creatures doesn’t end there. Breeders sell them complete with nose rings to prevent them digging up their new owner’s lawns. Rooting is the most basic of instincts for the pig and these so called pig lovers will prevent them from doing so by inflicting pain each time they attempt to dig.

Some mini pigs end up at the vet and their owners are very surprised to hear that their pet is suffering from malnutrition and needs immediate intervention to save it. Some owners can’t resist feeding their mini pigs forbidden treats and before they know it they have a 120 kg pig on their hands and seeking to re-home it. Most owners have no knowledge of pig behaviour or needs and unintentionally cause these animals great suffering. Unwanted pig pets could possibly increase the feral pig populations should they be dumped in bushland by their disappointed owners.

For such a large animal, it is incredible how small the pig starts out in life only weighing a couple of kilos. This is a fact that is being taken advantage of when ‘mini’ pig breeders post photo’s of their tiny merchandise on the web. Pigs are always born small but have an amazing potential for very fast growth.

There is no such thing as a true mini pig.

Farmed Fined For False Egg Labelling

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 04:33:50 GMT

Farm fined for false egg labelling

Tuesday, 08/02/2011

A Western Australia egg farmer has become the first farmer in Australia to be financially penalised for misleading consumers.

It's the first such penalty under the new Australian consumer laws, which allow the ACCC to seek monetary penalties for misconduct.

The Pisano family of WA has been ordered to pay $50,000 by the Federal Court for labelling its eggs as free range, when they were not.

The judge involved said the case warranted a heavy penalty and said it was a 'blatant case of dishonesty'.

Chairman Graham Samuel says the ACCC's new powers make it easier to take action against businesses misleading consumers.

"The ACCC now has the power to obtain financial penalties up wards of well over a million dollars if necessary," he said.

"The Federal Court is showing its determination to penalise this sort of conduct because I think it realises financial penalties are the only way to stamp it out.

Westpork piggery charged with animal cruelty, again (HSI Media Release)

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:18:48 GMT

The Department of Local Government in Western Australia today confirmed that thirty charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 have been laid in relation to the Westpork piggery in Gingin, stemming from an investigation commencing in January 2009. The thirty charges involve Westpork Pty Ltd and two of its staff members.

The charges relate to Sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002, which the Department administers and enforces. The State Solicitor’s Office is handling the case on behalf of the Department. A first mention has been listed for Wednesday, 16 March 2011 at the Perth Magistrates Court.

This is not the first time Westpork has faced animal cruelty charges. They were previously charged in 2009 (HSI media release http://www.hsi.org.au/index.php?catID=494) for animal cruelty but the Department discontinued the case on a technicality.

Westpork is operated by Neil Ferguson, a board member of Australian Pork Limited, chair on the WA Agriculture Produce Commission (Pork Committee), and a Pork Training WA Committee member.

HSI has today written to the boards requesting that Mr. Ferguson stand aside from these positions until the case has been heard. When the previous case was being investigated we made the same request of both Boards but they declined. Given the new charges are unrelated to the original case it would be prudent of both Boards to stand him down till the case concludes.

“The fact that any person charged with animal cruelty offences can remain in such a prominent position within the industry is inconceivable,” says Verna Simpson, HSI Director. “What makes the situation so shocking is that this is now the second time Mr. Ferguson has been charged. Such irresponsible behaviour should not be permitted to represent and guide industry best practice.”

HSI Director Verna Simpson further stated, “Considering past and current charges, HSI believes Mr. Ferguson should stand aside till the case concludes. The Australian pork industry has been at the centre of the national animal welfare debate thanks to consumer and retailer demand for welfare friendly pork. With such scrutiny on the industry this is no time to play the ‘mates’ card as this will only hurt the many other producers who are trying hard to meet consumer expectations.”

Westpork Piggery charged with animal cruelty, Again!

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:38:54 GMT

This is not the first time Westpork has faced animal cruelty charges. They were previously charged in 2009 (HSI media releasehttp://www.hsi.org.au/index.php?catID=494) for animal cruelty but the Department discontinued the case on a technicality.

Westpork is operated by Neil Ferguson, a board member of Australian Pork Limited, chair on the WA Agriculture Produce Commission (Pork Committee), and a Pork Training WA Committee member.

HSI has today written to the boards requesting that Mr. Ferguson stand aside from these positions until the case has been heard. When the previous case was being investigated we made the same request of both Boards, but they declined. Given the new charges are unrelated to the original case it would be prudent of both Boards to stand him down till the case concludes.

“The fact that any person charged with animal cruelty offences can remain in such a prominent position within the industry is inconceivable,” says Verna Simpson, HSI Director.“What makes the situation so shocking is that this is now the second time Mr. Ferguson has been charged. Such irresponsible behaviour should not be permitted to represent and guide industry best practice.”

HSI Director, Verna Simpson further stated,“Considering past and current charges, HSI believes Mr. Ferguson should stand aside till the case concludes. The Australian pork industry has been at the centre of the national animal welfare debate thanks to consumer and retailer demand for welfare friendly pork. With such scrutiny on the industry this is no time to play the ‘mates’ card as this will only hurt the many other producers who are trying hard to meet consumer expectations.”

Submission - TOF Bobby Calves

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 04:43:56 GMT

1^stFebruary 2011

Bobby Calf TOF RIS Submissions
Animal Health Australia
Suite 15 26-28 Napier Close
DEAKIN ACT 2600

Dear Sir/Madam,

This submission is presented by Lee McCosker on behalf of Humane Choice. Humane Choice is an accreditation body for free range animal production systems.

We wish to address the amendments to the Land Transport of Livestock Standard – Bobby Calves Time Off Feed.

We understand that the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) resolved to develop a science based standard for the management of bobby calves to be included in the above transport standard.

The first area of concern that we would like to discuss is the accuracy and the credibility of the science used to base a recommendation of 30 hours time off feed be adopted. The Fisher Report, upon which this recommendation is based, appears to be flawed and somewhat biased.

I shall address our concerns in point form:

The report is yet unpublished and therefore has not been peer reviewed.
The study was undertaken at just one location.
The study only represented a minute portion of the industry. (only 60 calves were used in the entire study)
The study did not accurately reflect the diverse range of conditions calves are farmed under.
The study did not take into consideration the varying levels of health that the average very vulnerable bobby calf may experience.
The study did not take into consideration varying climatic conditions as it was carried out around Spring.
The study is quoted as saying that a ‘normal’ feeding ration of milk is 5 litres when this is generally not the norm at all. Industry recommends each heifer replacement calf should drink 4L of milk (or 500g of milk solids) per day, which is equal to about 10.12% of its birth weight.[1]Replacement heifers are far more valuable to the producer so one can only assume that the milk fed to an unwanted bobby calf may be significantly less.

To summarize our concerns about the Fisher Study;

We believe that the study is inadequate and not appropriate to base any recommendations on in regard to allowable times off feed for bobby calves. The study must be published and peer reviewed before it can be used to make such an important decision. One study on its own does not give credible insight into the subject nor do we feel that this study has allowed an unbiased outcome.

This study surmises that 100% of calves will be in a ‘healthy’ condition and that they will be fed 5 litres of milk per day. How different would the outcome of this study have been if the calves were fed 4 litres per day instead as prescribed by Dairy Australia? I quote this section from the Fisher Report:

In terms of energy status, plasma glucose concentrations were the most altered variable. These increased after feeding, declined slowly for some hours, and then declined more steadily after about 18 h off feed, which is consistent with the expected pattern of a typical daily feeding cycle. Mean glucose at 30 h was close to, but not below published reference values for dairy calves less that 2 weeks of age. A proportion of calves (~12%) were below the lower reference value at this time point, and this proportion was slightly greater than would be assumed by chance. [2]

The results would have been very different if the calves had been fed the ‘normal’ amount of 4 litres instead of 5 and it would appear that their plasma glucose concentrations would have declined rapidly after about 18 hours off feed. Even in the unbalanced Fisher Report, a percentage of calves fed the 5 litres of milk were below the lower reference value at this time point.

We therefore refute the claim being made that ‘there is no science-based evidence of improvements to bobby calf welfare under 24 hours and 18 hours TOF as compared to 30 hours’ and that it is inappropriate that the research be used to set an outer legal limit for time off feed for bobby calves at 30 hours.

Option D

We believe that the available science already points to 18 hours off feed as being the most appropriate option for bobby calves.

It is my own personal experience (after many years of buying bobby calves and rearing them) that it is normal practice, when calves are sold at saleyards, for the farmer to deliver them after milking on the morning of the sale. The calves are usually fed before they leave. It is common practice for calf sales to be held at midday and they are then permitted to be removed from the yards as they are sold to expedite their transport to the abattoir if they have not been purchased to raise as beef. The Draft Consultation documentations confirms that this is a widely accepted practice. (page 25 ) This does in fact allow the calves to be processed well within the 18 hours time off feed.

Another practice on larger dairy farms is to deliver their calves directly to the abattoir either the night before processing or on the morning of. Again, well within the 18 hours time off feed.

Another common practice, but not mentioned, is the sale of calves directly to other farms for the purpose of being grown on for veal or beef. This practice keeps the time off feed well below 18 hours.

Because of my personal experience in the bobby calf industry, I am concerned that some of the information presented in the draft documentations is a little misleading. For example, there are many calf sales held in dairying regions, especially in coastal areas, and bobby calves are sought after by both processors and producers wishing to grow them on to heavier veal or beef. There are also several domestic abattoirs that process calves on the same, or the morning after livestock sales.

Expected economic costs (Criterion II) seem to be somewhat exaggerated and definitely biased towards Option B to merely allow the continuation of existing industry practice.

A shift in the market structure will probably occur if Option D were to be adopted and producers could well look at other viable options rather than just claiming that thousands of calves will ‘become unavailable’. For example, farm gate sales of bobby calves direct to producers enabling the dairy farmer to increase the income he gets from calves and reducing other costs such as transport and agent’s fees and even cutting the cost for the dairy beef grower.

Male calves are part and parcel of the dairy industry and a responsibility that cannot just be shirked simply based on cost. No farmer goes into a dairy operation with his eyes shut and the welfare of his animals should be part of his management strategy. The ‘emotional cost’ of disposing of bobby calves cannot just be measured in dollars and cents to the farmer, today’s concerned consumer will want to see the needs of the animals addressed also and we cannot ignore this fact.

We support Option D - a standard amendment of 18 hours time off feed for bobby calves.

Yours sincerely,

Lee McCosker

[1]Dairy Australia – Dairy Welfare, Calf Management, Rearing Dairy Heifer Calves

[2]Dairy Australia - Determining a suitable time off feed for bobby calf transport under Australian conditions

Do We Want Anti-Biotics in Feed?

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 04:50:29 GMT

Author: Dick Ziggers

If we look at the world from a medicated feed perspective then two blocks stand out: the European Union and the United States of America. In the EU the use of antibiotics for growth promoting reasons is already banned since January 2006. And now there is also a call for withdrawal of therapeutic use of drugs in animal feeds.

The Dutch organisation for the animal feed industry (Nevedi), for example, would like to stop the use of therapeutic antibiotics in feed as soon as possible, in cooperation with livestock producers and veterinarians. The idea behind this is that Nevedi hopes to contribute in finding a solution to the problem of antibiotic resistance in both humans and animals.

Next to that, the manufacturing of medicated feeds is a burden to the feed millers, because of chances of cross contamination. Current detection methods can trace the tiniest particle in feeds and in animal products.

Different approach

How different is the approach in the US, where just this week the Food and Drug Administration approved florfenicol for use in a so-called ‘Type B Medicated Feed’ for swine. It already had its Type A Medicated Feed approval, meaning it may be mixed in licensed feed mills.

The Type B qualification means it now can be used as a premix in all feed mills, including those found on-farm. This might provide ground for a situation of over-use, since the product is considered to be effective to many respiratory diseases in pigs. “Now, producers can control swine respiratory disease with an easy-to-use formulation,” the manufacturer of the drug states.

I am not questioning the effectiveness of the drug – this A, B, and C typing is applicable to all drugs used in medicated feeds – but more the relative ease with which the drug can be administered. Not to forget that also pigs that are not sick will get the drug in their feed without factual needing it.

Trade issues

These different approaches to antibiotic use also create trade barriers. "We do not have the access to the EU that we could and [antibiotic use] I think is at least one of the issues that is keeping our exports to the EU down," said a spokesman for the US National Pork Producers Council.

Minimizing antibiotics could protect public health (fewer antibiotic resistant bugs) while helping better position US producers in the global marketplace. In Europe animal production is changing towards better management and fewer antibiotics.

I am afraid that if producers in the US shut their eyes for these developments they might go the same way as the US auto industry.

Curious to hear other opinions. Original Article here ..

Why Is Pasture Raised Different?

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 04:06:23 GMT

Humane Choice certified producers allow their animals to graze on open paddocks. This includes pigs and poultry.

Consumer concerns for animal welfare, as well as their own health and welfare, have driven the meat and egg industries into this current scramble for the right to use the term ‘free range’. Consumer research has shown that free range to most people means that the animals spend their lives on pastures.

With big industry calling for free range standards that fit in with their commercial reality, we will begin to witness the intensification of free range production systems. How do you intensify free range? By using small areas of land that are denuded very quickly by large numbers of grazing animals transforming the area into dirt lots with not one blade of grass to be seen. While we would like to assume the pigs will be happier in these conditions as opposed to being kept indoors in stalls and pens, intensified free range raises concerns about animal health and environmental sustainability. It also makes any claims of a better flavoured meat questionable as the animals are unable to forage or graze.

Pasture raised animals are able to obtain a lot of their nutrition from grazing. Just how much will depend of the type of pastured provided. Farm animal dietary needs will also differ. While sheep and cattle may gain all their needs from pasture, pigs and poultry are omnivores (single stomach just like us) and grubs, worms, small animals and insects form a natural part of their diet. Vitamins, minerals, trace elements and amino acids can be obtained by all grazing animals from a diet that includes pasture.

Green forage and pasture is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, along with the insects and grubs that may be consumed, therefore the meat and eggs from pasture raised animals may provide Omega-3 in your diet.

Pigs and chickens on pasture also benefit from spending their days in the sunshine! Being able to exercise naturally and extensively means that, pigs in particular, will develop muscle without the need for hormones and growth promoters.

Disease is minimal in well managed pastured raised systems so this means there is little need for the use of antibiotics. Overuse of these drugs in the intensive farming industry is a major human health concern.

Finally, but most importantly, well managed, pasture raised animals live a happier life without the stress that is induced by overcrowding and the inability to carry out natural behaviours. Combined with a more natural diet and environment, this translates to a superior quality product.

So if you imagine pigs and poultry roaming in grassed paddocks when you picture free range, think pasture raised and seek out a Humane Choice true free range producer or supplier.

Dali Lama Speaks Out Against Cage Eggs (HSI Media Release)

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:23:19 GMT

In the wake of the largest egg recall in United States history and consensus of animal rights groups worldwide, His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama has issued an official statement to Humane Society International (HSI) condemning the egg industry’s cruel treatment of hens and urging consumers to switch to cage-free eggs:

“The abuse we inflict on hens has always been particularly disturbing to me, and I have always been particularly concerned toward how these animals are treated in industrial food production. I was troubled to learn from my friends at the Humane Society about the practice of confining egg-laying hens in tiny cages.”

Several countries have already banned battery hen cages, including Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Norway, with remaining European Union nations in the process phasing cages out as a total ban on the farming practice by 2012 looms.

“In these cages, birds cannot engage in their natural behaviours such as spreading their wings, laying eggs in a nesting area, perching, scratching at the ground, and even standing on a solid surface. Each hen has less space to live in than the very sheet of paper I have written this letter on. Turning these defenceless animals into egg-producing machines with no consideration for their welfare whatsoever is a degradation of our own humanity. Switching to cage free eggs would reduce the suffering of these animals. Tibetans have a rich history of protecting the most vulnerable in society and opposing cruelty, which is why it is natural for me to encourage the change to cage free eggs. Following in this tradition, I hope compassion and kindness will prevail in this very serious matter.” the Dalai Lama continued.

HSI director Verna Simpson said, “The fact that the Dalai Lama, an internationally respected spiritual leader and ethicist, has spoken out against the production of cage eggs speaks volumes about the severity of the situation. Humane Society International has long supported natural living conditions for all farm animals, and consumer trends show that animal welfare has become a decisive factor influencing the food we eat.”

Concern over intensive egg production in Australia (HSI Media Release)

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:25:07 GMT

The Australian Egg Corporation Ltd (AECL), Australia’s leading egg industry producer owned company, has reported on the recent egg recall across the U.S. due to Salmonella enteritidis contamination from an intensive egg production farm in Iowa. The U.S. outbreak has now reported nearly 2000 cases of human infection, with the recall occurring across up to 14 states and recalling up to 380 million eggs.

Whilst the AECL recognised concern for the outbreak, as S. enteritidis bacteria transferred from hens develops within eggs and has the potential to affect humans through egg consumption, what was not addressed by them was the potential for a similar outbreak to occur in Australia.

Reason for concern should not be isolated to the U.S. Earlier this month Humane Society International’s U.S. partners, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), released a white paper addressing the threat that cage confinement of laying hens can pose to food safety. The paper revealed that there were 43% lower odds of S. enteritidis contamination in cage-free barns, where hens are raised indoors, than in cage production.

S. enteritidis is present on the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) most recent National Notifiable Animal Diseases List, and has been recognized by the Queensland Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries as …a notifiable disease of poultry with public health significance. It has been specifically noted by the Department of Health as a serious concern for primary industry due to risks of infections in egg-laying poultry. In 2004, there was a reported S. enteritidis outbreak in Queensland.

Regular monitoring of S. enteritidis by OzFoodNet, a State and Territory collaborative initiative run by the Department of Health and Ageing, reported that in 2008 all states and territories (except the ACT) reported locally acquired cases, of which 16% (81/511) of all reported S. Enteritidis infections were locally-acquired, which was higher than previous years. The years between 2003 and 2007 reported an average of 44 locally-acquired cases per year.

With previous cases being reported in Australia, and new reports to prove that intensive farming increases the chance of Salmonella outbreaks, there is reason for concern.

To add, with the Heart Foundation very recently increasing the weekly recommended intake of eggs, there is even more cause for concern for future intensive egg production in Australia and the health risks it will have.

“To continue to intensively produce eggs when we are fully aware of the risks would be irresponsible. Stricter standards must be put in place to prevent potential outbreaks amongst both poultry and human populations.” said HSI director, Verna Simpson. “At the very least, method of production labeling for eggs should be mandatory, so consumers can assess the health risks themselves.”

Phil Westwood, spokesman for the Free Range Egg and Poultry Association of Australia Inc.

(FREPAA), highlights that "True free range egg production provides a healthy and sustainable farm environment, which together with good flock management and handling procedures ensures food safety for consumers”.

U.S. egg epidemic reinforces link between intensive farming and risks to human health (HSI Media Release)

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:27:13 GMT

A multi-state recall for eggs across the U.S. has just been voluntarily announced by egg producing giant, Wright County Egg Farm. Their official media release stated that “There have been confirmed Salmonella enteritidis illnesses relating to the shell eggs and trace back investigations are ongoing”.

The company holds more than 7.5 million egg laying hens. The number of hens affected has not been officially reported. However, over 1000 cases of intestinal illness have been reported; the official egg recall extends over 19 brands; and the actual number of eggs being recalled is reported to be in the millions and increasing.

Salmonella enteritidis is a bacterium pathogenic to humans. Animal Health Australia notes that it is an egg-transmitted disease of poultry that also has human health implications through the consumption of contaminated eggs.

Phil Westwood, spokesman for the Free Range Egg and Poultry Association of Australia Inc (FREPAA), commented that “The egg recall in the United States demonstrates the potential health problems associated with intensive farming. High flock densities generate major contamination issues for chickens and these can be transferred to humans in the food chain.”

Earlier this month Humane Society International’s U.S. partners, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), released a white paper addressing the threat that cage confinement of laying hens can pose to food safety. It included an assessment on the probabilities of Salmonella contamination among different housing systems. The paper revealed that there were 43% lower odds of Salmonella enteritidis contamination in cage-free barns, where hens are raised indoors, than in cage production.

It also reported that every single scientific study published in recent years comparing Salmonella contamination between cage and cage-free operations has found that confining hens in cages significantly increases Salmonella risk –

2010: 7.77 times greater odds of Salmonella in operations caging hens

2009: Significantly more risk of Salmonella in caged flocks

2008: 7.88 to 21.52 times greater odds of Salmonella in operations caging hens

2008: More than twice the prevalence of Salmonella in operations caging hens

2007: 1.8 to 25 times greater odds of Salmonella in operations caging hens

2007: 3.7 times greater prevalence of Salmonella in operations caging hens

2006: More than twice the prevalence of Salmonella in operations caging hens

Reason for concern should not be isolated to the U.S. In 2004, there was a reported Salmonella enteritidis outbreak in Queensland. It has been specifically noted by the Department of Health as a serious concern for primary industry due to risks of infections in egg-laying poultry.

“It is unfortunate that we have to wait for such significant epidemics until it is recognised that there are real health risks associated with intensive farming. Not only are such epidemics detrimental to hundreds of birds who live in unacceptable conditions, but impacts are directly affecting human populations.” said HSI director, Verna Simpson. “It is widely acknowledged that cage confinement of laying hens is inhumane. The fact that such major health risks are associated shows this method of production has to end. Intensive farming needs to be recognised as a significant risk to human health.”

True free range egg production is an alternative method of production which is becoming more and more popular in Australia for consumers. Not only because it means better animal welfare standards for poultry, but also because it provides a healthier environment for egg production and therefore poses less of a risk to humans.

Phil Westwood, FREPAA, highlights that "True free range egg production provides a healthy and sustainable farm environment, which together with good flock management and handling procedures ensures food safety for consumers”.

Humane Choice has a new Logo!

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:17:14 GMT

As free range becomes a much more familiar word in the consumer's vocabulary it is becoming harder to to work out just what is and isn't genuine free range. With the lack of a legal definition that leads to misleading labelling, we wanted to make sure there was no mistake about products carrying the Humane Choice logo.

Our standards are clear and precise and available to all. Our audits are carried out by an independent, registered audit provider. You can be sure its true free range when you see our logo.

David Jones Happy to Deceive Customers

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 04:20:30 GMT

Over the past 2 years HSI has been corresponding with David Jones over the misrepresentation of pork products sold through their flagship Sydney store. David Jones is continuing to brand pork as ‘free range’ knowing full well that they are misrepresenting production method.

Although we have repeatedly approached David Jones and sought intervention by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for false and misleading representation of products, they continue to deceive consumers. David Jones is taking advantage of the growing number of consumers who are seeking welfare friendly food and are prepared to pay extra. They have obviously identified that consumers are looking for free range product, but rather than finding the real McCoy, they are just mislabelling existing non free range product and charging the extra.

In a surprising response to media enquiries about the mislabelling of it’s ‘free range’ pork in their flagship Sydney store, David Jones has responded with the following:

"As there is no law or standard governing the use of the terms "free range" or "bred free range", David Jones is fully compliant with its legal obligations. This is a matter for the regulators."
Best wishes,
(name withheld)
General Manager - Public Relations
David Jones

This is certainly an eye opener for their customers! David Jones acknowledges that as there is no law governing terms used for meat production they can and will continue to deceive. And they are certainly not shy at charging premium prices with pork costing up to twice as much as the local supermarket.

“Consumers want and have the right to make informed decisions about the animal-derived food products that they are purchasing,” said HSI Director, Verna Simpson. “However, instead they are met with a suite of confusing, poorly defined and unregulated terms which producers and retailers are able to use and misuse at will.”

A labelling overhaul is overdue. HSI is calling for a national and mandatory labelling scheme for the method of production of all meat, eggs and dairy products, that only permits the use of a limited number of legally defined and regulated animal-welfare descriptors.

The Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, comprising Ministers responsible for food and health issues are currently reviewing food labelling laws and policy. They have already had over 6000 written submissions and a series of public consultations, and the message is loud and clear. The Australian public has the right and the desire to know what they are buying. They are intelligent enough to decide their own ethics and make purchasing decisions on that basis.

Without Truth in Labelling it is not possible to make these informed purchasing decisions and it is time for Government and industry to catch up.

Contact: Verna Simpson, HSI Director, 02 9973 1728

Action Alert

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 04:28:57 GMT

Humane Society InternationalExtinction Denied Program

Action Alert

Demand the suspension of pork industry executive charged with animal cruelty

Sydney, 3 June 2009

Act as soon as possible

The manager ofWestern Australia’s largest piggery, Neil Ferguson, is still on the board of the pork industry’s peak body despite being charged with an animal cruelty offence.

In yet another disturbing case of animal cruelty on a pig farm, an investigation and raid were first carried out at the Westpork facility at Gingin in 2007 following the release of footage showing it was so full of waste and excrement that the pigs were struggling to walk. It has also been alleged that pigs were left to die lingering deaths once they had succumbed to illnesses, and that some pigs had eaten others that had died and were left in the pens.

The explicit footage taken at the Gingin piggery can be viewed online at:

http://ara.org.au/index.php/News/westpork-pty-ltd-charged-with-cruelty-at-gingin-pig-farm.html

The treatment of pigs at the Westpork Gingin piggery is unacceptable, yet despite the animal cruelty charge against him, Mr Ferguson has maintained his position on the APL (Australia Pork Limited) Board. In fact, it is not the only executive position in the pork industry maintained by Mr Ferguson – he is also involved in the training of pork producers through his position on the Pork Industry Training Committee in WA, and is the Chair of the WA Agriculture Produce Commission’s Pork Committee.

It is wholly inappropriate for a person charged with an animal cruelty offense to continue to hold a Board position with APL. Likewise, he should not be permitted a role in the training of pork producers.

It is essential that the APL, the Pork Industry Training Committee in WA, and the WA Agriculture Produce Commission revoke the positions held by Mr Ferguson until the case is resolved in court, and suspend him permanently if he is convicted. The hearing is scheduled to take place on the 1^stJuly 2009.

Action:

Write to each member of the APL Board, urging them to immediately suspend Mr Ferguson from his position on the Board until the animal cruelty charge is heard in court, and that he is removed permanently if found guilty. Ask that APL also makes a recommendation to the WA Pork Industry Training Committee and the WA Agricultural Produce Commission that his position is reviewed in light of the animal cruelty charge, and that further action is taken to revoke these positions if Mr Ferguson is convicted.

The members of theAPL Boardare:Mr Enzo Allara (Chairman),Mr Aeger Kingma, Mr Kenneth Cameron, Mr Paul Pattison,Mrs Kathy Grigg, Mrs Kay Carey, and Mrs Christine Quick.

Send your letters for each member to:

Australian Pork Limited

PO Box148

Deakin West ACT 2600

Write to theWest Australian Pork Producers’ Associationwho facilitates the Pork Industry Training (WA) committee, noting that Mr Ferguson has been charged with an animal cruelty offence and should therefore not be allowed a training role in the pork industry until the case is heard in court. Highlight your concern about Mr Ferguson’s involvement in the development and facilitation of training courses on stockpersonship and production given the charge against him.

Contact:

Mr Russell Cox

Executive Officer

West Australian Pork Producers’ Association

277 Great Eastern Highway

BelmontWA6104

Email:russell@wappa.com.au

Write to theAgricultural Produce Commission, stressing that a person charged with an animal cruelty offense must not be permitted to continue to be on the Board of a government committee supporting the pork industry until the case is resolved.

Contact:

Ingrid Smith

Executive Officer

Agricultural Produce Commission

3 Baron-Hay Court

South PerthWA6151

Email:apc@agric.wa.gov.au

Please send us copies of any responses you receive.

Further information at www.hsi.org.au

HSI concentrates on the preservation of endangered animals and ecosystems and works to ensure quality of life for all animals, both domestic and wild. HSI is the largest animal protection not-for-profit organisation in the world, with over 10 million supporters globally and has been established in Australia since 1994.

Humane Society International Inc - Australian Office

PO Box 439 Avalon NSW 2107 Australia

Ph: 02 9973 1728 Fax: 02 9973 1729www.hsi.org.au