A number of local farms, abattoirs and dairies have been listed on the Aussie Farms Map, an interactive map of factory farms and abattoirs across Australia which was launched publicly earlier this year.
The map has been developed by non-profit organisation Aussie Farms, who are “fighting to end commercialised animal abuse and exploitation through public education about modern farming and slaughtering practices”.
Their website states the map is an “effort to force transparency on an industry dependent on secrecy.”
The website enables people to upload information, videos or photos of farms to add to the map.
Legerwood farmer John Williams whose farm has been listed on the map said he believes it is unfair to have such information listed publicly.
He said they ensure all their cows are properly fed, treated when necessary and have regular vet checks.
“We are a family-run farm, not a factory farm, milking 650 cows. Just like humans, from time to time some of them fall and get injured but we comply with the ethical standards,” he said.
“I have a great problem with the way [Aussie Farms] have listed these farms and they should be held accountable,” he said.
“To make derogatory statements about farmers with no basis is unethical.
“The government already has systems in place to prevent the mistreatment of animals and there are standards that we work to.
“When we supplied Fonterra they supplied milk product to Nestle so we were audited and we passed their world animal welfare standards with no issues at all.”
He said having “mistruths” spread about the agricultural industry practices could put further pressure on farmers facing cutbacks.
“Why would farmers want to abuse their stock? It’s how we make our living.
“We employ 8-9 people and how are we supposed to keep paying our staff when we’re facing cutbacks and mistruths are being spread about our practices.”
Another local farmer said he was concerned having farms listed on the map will encourage trespassing.
“We’ve had people sneak onto our farm in the middle of the night in balaclavas and it was really distressing for our family,” he said.
“This is attacking people’s livelihood and encouraging people to trespass to gather information and could pose biosecurity threats to farmers.”
Mr Williams said he has also had someone on his farm taking photos at night in the past, and following the launch of the Aussie Farms Map, he will be installing more security.
“We will end up putting up cameras and securing our farm and we will have to be very vigilant.”
Federal Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud has called for state governments to review trespass laws following the release of many Australian farmers’ personal addresses on the Aussie Farms map.
This article was first published in the North-Eastern Advertiser on January 30, 2019.
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