Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program support

Summary

These projects have contributed to the support of the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) Program for producers and stakeholders, including:
1. Audit services for LPA, administration of LPA,  LPA QA (Cattlecare/Flockcare) and the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS).
2. LPA NVD program funding, NVD replacement program 2008-2009, the transition of LPA administration from MLA to AUSMEAT.
3. LPA field officer extension program to increase producer and industry sectors awareness of the LPA program and to educate them in what is required and involved with an LPA audit.
4. Creation of the LPA Bobby Calf NVD.
5. A NVD version review was conducted that surveyed key stakeholders to determine the primary issues encountered with producers completing NVD forms.  The project drafted, refined and redesigned the NVD form, incorporating best practice wording and layout, which was reviewed and tested by industry prior to changes being implemented.
6. A project assessed the feasibility of implementing a policy for phasing out old versions of NVDs and analysis of data relating to the current volume of NVD usage, by NVD version.
7. A project reviewed the LPA QA program to assess its position within the industry. It included secondary research in the form of a situational analysis and review of existing information.
8. This project reviewed the outcomes of LPA program review was critically analysed through a focus group. The focus groups offered insight into the why and how of decision making. This project provided MLA with qualitative information and insights into behaviours, intentions and attitudes.
9. This project redeveloped the LPA QA brand, along with the development and implementation of an integrated marketing program.  The requirement of this project was to brand the LPA QA in a way that clearly identified the program and its benefits, and separate it from the LPA (food safety) program.  The project developed a brand platform, development of a new name and visual identity, development of a brand guideline documentation and defined approval process for the identity use.
10. Meat and Livestock Australia was charged with the implementation of the LPA QA Strategic plan. This strategic plan linked directly to the MLA 2008-2013 strategic plan and Meat Industry Strategic Plan (MISP) for 2010-2015.  The project developed the management system framework, module development process and Audit process for an overarching QA framework that would eventually include current certification programs, Cattlecare and Flockcare as modules.