Participants in the livestock export shipboard stockperson training course run by LiveCorp this week in Darwin.

PARTICIPANTS in the latest course for livestock export shipboard stockpersons include a feedlot worker from Vietnam, a veterinarian from New Zealand, people already working as ‘stockies’ and experienced Australian cattle station and feedlot staff.

The course was run by LiveCorp, the industry’s research body and service provider, with the face-to-face components delivered by industry experts in Darwin this week (4-5 February).

The content and format were recently reviewed to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

The updated course included a series of new online modules and assessments to complement the theoretical content delivered in person, and retained a practical session on low-stress stock handling.

Topics covered the roles and responsibilities of a shipboard stockperson, management of livestock feed and water, detection and treatment of common livestock conditions, and life on board.

LiveCorp Chief Executive Officer Wayne Collier says the aim of the course is to prepare participants who already have animal handling and husbandry skills for the shipboard environment.

“Stockies are responsible for managing livestock and overseeing their care throughout the export process. The course provides practical skills and knowledge to ensure they’re well-equipped to monitor animal health and welfare on ships, and provide appropriate treatments where necessary,” Mr Collier said.

“Their role also includes meeting regulatory requirements, including daily reports to the regulator about animal welfare and the conditions on board.”

Industry collaboration was a key feature of the program, with instructors, exporters, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the regulator) and other industry representatives coming together to discuss evolving best practices and challenges.

The Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) require at least one LiveCorp Accredited Stockperson on every ship.

The course is the first step toward accreditation, and participants have to complete two voyages under the supervision of an experience stockperson before gaining full accreditation.

Practical sessions in low-stress stock handling, an important component of the livestock export shipboard stockperson training course, were held this week at the Berrimah Export Yards.

Participant Alex Dickens says it was a fantastic experience.

“I’ve worked as a stockperson at pre-export quarantine yards just outside of Darwin for the past four years, and before that at several cattle stations,” Mr Dickens said.

“The course was a great way to formalise my skills, and also provides a clear path to getting work on a ship and progress my career in livestock exports.”

The course review was conducted through the Livestock Export RD&E Program, which is jointly funded by LiveCorp and Meat & Livestock Australia.

By investing in education and professional development, the industry continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving welfare standards, supporting workforce capability, and strengthening Australia’s reputation as a global leader in livestock export standards.

Source: LiveCorp