Chair of ALRTA’s Driver and Animal Welfare Committee, Graeme Hoare. Image: MLA.

EFFLUENT is an unavoidable by-product when livestock are transported by road, but a new code of conduct is now in place to manage this issue.

It’s a challenge which has plagued the industry for years, particularly as urban sprawl brings cities and suburbs closer to abattoirs – increasing the frequency of infringement notices to transport companies for effluent spillage.

Graeme Hoare, Compliance Manager at Martins Stock Haulage and chair of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association’s Driver and Animal Welfare Committee, has taken up the mantle to address this pressing issue.

“The trucking industry of the livestock sector had a problem – we had to fix it,” Mr Hoare said.

Effluent code

The Effluent Code was created by producers and transport operators working closely with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). It blends industry knowledge and experience to outline measures across the entire land transport journey, from preparing livestock for transit to unloading them at the destination, providing a chain of responsibility during livestock transport.

“The Effluent Code is not just a set of guidelines but a comprehensive strategy to ensure the wellbeing of livestock, drivers, and all road users,” Mr Hoare said.

“It’s a reminder that effluent management is more than a matter of compliance – it’s a collective responsibility impacting the sustainability and safety of the entire livestock transportation industry.”

On-farm responsibility

Producers have a vested interest in effluent management for three main reasons:

• Biosecurity: managing effluent overflow protects the industry from potential disease outbreaks. Proper effluent disposal and containment can help prevent the spread of diseases, safeguarding the livestock industry.
• Animal welfare: if effluent tanks are full, the effluent will come up under the floor of the crate, creating slippery conditions for livestock.
• Road safety: effluent management impacts the safety of all road users. The responsibility of producers extends beyond their farm gate – until livestock safely reach their destination, producers bear a portion of the risk.

Preparing livestock for transport

Managing water and feed intake prior to consignment is an important part of pre-transport livestock preparation.

It differs depending on the commercial requirements of the supply chain, seasonal conditions, feeding regimes and journey plans.

Producers should check these requirements with the receiver and transporter to manage effluent.

Consider limiting feed intake (particularly lush green pasture) prior to transport and provide access to adequate dry roughage. If livestock are fed prior to transport, dry feed or hay will likely result in less effluent and a smoother journey for all involved.

A safe space for more efficient loading

As well as ensuring animals are fit to load, it’s important to prepare a safe loading environment.

This includes providing safe loading ramps, adequate lighting and well-designed gates for a safe, more efficient loading process.

Additionally, producers should be mindful of the wellbeing of drivers, especially during delays.

“While they don’t need to provide a three-course meal, ensuring drivers have access to shade or basic amenities can make a significant difference,” Mr Hoare said.

Understanding transport regulations is crucial as well.

“Drivers operate under strict fatigue management laws, and delays can disrupt their schedules, affecting road safety and animal welfare.”

Use a TruckSafe company

Another tip for producers when it comes to safe transport of their livestock is to choose the right transporter.

Look for transport operators with TruckSafe accreditation. TruckSafe provides a best practice standard for trucking operators when transporting livestock and underpins industry programs such as Meat Standards Australia and Livestock Production Assurance to maintain supply chain integrity.

• Read the NHVR Effluent Code: Registered Industry Codes of Practice | NHVR
• Read MLA’s Is the animal fit to load? guide for more information on how to prepare animals for transport, including curfew strategies: mla.com.au/fittoload
• Book a free Effluent Code workshop presented by ALRTA and NHVR. Contact ALRTA on 02 6247 5434, office@alrta.org.au or NHVR on 13 64 87, codes@nhvr.gov.au
• Find out if your livestock transporter is TruckSafe accredited: trucksafe.com.au or 02 6253 6900.

Source: MLA