Yabby, that looks like a good option. If I'm understanding it correctly the standard has two main priorities
- The animals are treated humanely - as well as we can with an animal that is eventually slaughtered for consumption.
- The inputs into the system are ones which are considered to be safe for the animal and for the final consumer.

Something that sits in the middle ground.

R0bert

Robert

That is what we have been saying All Along.

Except ask Yabby where they are to be slaughtered, here or sent on Live Exports?

Rupert, yup, the middle ground is the idea. At the moment
we kind of have two extremes.

Wendy, you are confusing two totally different products and
markets. The majority of sheep for the live trade are
in fact a few merino ewes, but mainly wethers from the wool
industry. Wethers are anything from 2-5 years old and are
not really wanted by Aussie consumers as mutton. Prime lamb is
a separate market altogether, most of that is consumed
within Australia.

Wendy, I'm trying to stay off to the side of the fight part of this debate and glean what I can of the usefull stuff.

There is something good in the point Yabby raised and if you are saying the same thing on that point we have agreement. Lets not toss it away by going "all or nothing", work with the bits there is agreement on.

Wha

Wow Yabby! I have really misjudged you. This is something I am really passionate about. Biological farming is the best term we know. Combine the best of both worlds. Use as many natural inputs as possible, look at everything like it starts from the soil up. Treat the animals humanely, its in our best interest. Healthy soil makes healthy animals makes healthy food. There are ways to use a little urea when necessary that will not damage soil microbes, the same goes if you have to use roundup to kill dangerous weeds. Drench with chemicals when absolutely necessary, not routinely. It doesn’t allow the animal to build natural immunity. I could go on and on. I am stunned! Why? Obviously I had developed tunnel vision on this forum.

We have a great ‘biological’ group of farmers here and we all have agreed that organic is something that will eventually be phased out and something more livable will take its place. Don’t get me wrong, organics has does wonders to bring all this to the attention of the public.

When is that ship leaving Yabby? I have decided to come with you (separate pens of course) I don’t see that we are going to stop live exports in the near future, so all we can do is try to improve the conditions that already exist. I would like to assess the situation first hand. Anyway, I will be needed to class your fleece! (or tan your hide - depending on how the cruise goes)

Thankyou robert.

Has anyone looked at the David Hicks thread today - someone has jumped ship!

Thanks Pigfarmer..but leave Wendy alone..I know you and Yabby like to tease her relentlessly but she does a great job with her insightful comments and new approaches.

Pigfarmer did you have a point when you went in there?A comment or just to take a jab at Wendy?