A NEW grain fed beef standard called Grain Fed Finished, or GFF, will be in play from the start of next month.
Australian Lot Feeders Association president, Tess Herbert, said the release of the standard was a significant milestone for the Australian grain fed beef sector.
The minimum standard requires cattle to be produced within the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme production system, be raised on a specific high energy ration for a minimum 35 days on feed, and successfully achieve Meat Standards Australia grading requirements when processed.
“GFF, with its minimum number of days and MSA overlay, enables brand owners and feedlot operators increased flexibility around producing grain fed beef whilst continuing to ensure product integrity and eating quality,” Mrs Herbert said.
“Introduction of the standard is the result of reviews into both the NFAS and the AUS-MEAT Beef Language and follows consultation with feedlot operators, beef processors, retailers, brand owners and industry representative bodies.”
GFF is being introduced in addition to the existing grain fed standards, being the Grain Fed (GF) and Grain Fed Young Beef (GFYG) standards.
“The existing grain fed standards are widely recognised for delivering high quality Australian grain fed beef and so the GF and GFYG standards will continue to be available without change, with GFF providing an additional feeding option for NFAS accredited feedlot operators,” Mrs Herbert said.
One of the key features of the new standard is the integrity provided by the NFAS production system and the positive connotations attached to its beef products, said Jim Cudmore, chairman of Feedlot Industry Accreditation Committee.
“The NFAS is the highly acclaimed quality assurance program for the Australian cattle feedlot industry which includes stringent animal welfare, nutrition and environmental requirements. The sourcing of livestock from NFAS accredited feedlots is a prerequisite for beef processed in AUS-MEAT accredited processing establishments being described as grain fed,” Mr Cudmore said.
Adoption of the GFF standard from September 1 will be voluntary and a commercial decision between brand owners, meat processors, non-packer exporters and NFAS accredited feedlot operators who supply them.