Before you accept feed and fodder
Whether you are buying or receiving donated feed and fodder, follow these steps to reduce risk.
Know the source
Ask where it came from and what it contains.
Check for restrictions
NSW restricts some feed and fodder due to biosecurity risks.
Make sure it’s legal
You can check to see if your feed and fodder needs certification or meets entry requirements by checking the feed and fodder guide.
Only accept compliant feed
Do not accept feed or fodder that does not meet NSW biosecurity requirements.
When feed or fodder arrives
Keep a record of where the feed came from and what it contains. This will help you trace any issues if they arise.
Inspect the load for signs of pests, diseases or weeds. Some may be hard to spot, but others may be more obvious.
Contact your Local Land Services office if you notice:
- insects or snails
- unusual smells
- discolouration
- anything unusual or suspicious.
Feeding out
To reduce biosecurity risks when feeding livestock, use 1 or 2 designated ‘sacrificial paddocks’ for feeding. These should:
- be easy to access
- be away from cropping land and farm dams
- be checked after rain for up to 2 years.
Keep detailed records of where and when you fed livestock, by paddock and mob. This helps track and contain any future risks.
After feeding and following rain
Watch for weeds or new plants in feed-out areas and near waterways. Report unknown plants to your local council weeds officer for identification.
Control weeds early, before they seed. To find weed profiles and suitable herbicides, use the free NSW WeedWise app. WeedWise is available for Android and Apple devices.
Stay alert for new or unusual pests and diseases. If you’re unsure, contact:
- Local Land Services
- your local agronomist
- your council weeds officer.
NSW feed and fodder rules
In NSW, manufactured stock feeds must meet strict labelling laws. This helps you make safe and informed decisions about your livestock feed.
To learn more about what must appear on feed labels, you can check the manufacturing stock food requirements.
It is illegal to feed ruminants (such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids) meat or blood products from any bird or vertebrate animal. This includes:
- meat meal
- meat and bone meal
- bone flour
- poultry or fish meal
- feather meal
- feed that has come into contact with these products.
These rules help prevent the spread of animal diseases.
Contact Local Land Services NSW
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