Why Small Producers and Hobby Farmers Need a Commodity Vendor Declaration (CVD)
With summer fast approaching, it’s essential for small producers and hobby farmers to understand the importance of a Commodity Vendor Declaration (CVD) when purchasing livestock feed (this includes hay, grain, molasses etc..). This single-page document is more than just a form; it’s a critical tool for ensuring the safety and quality of your livestock feed, protecting your animals, and maintaining industry standards.
Here’s why a CVD matters and how it can help you.
What is a CVD and Why Do You Need It?
A Commodity Vendor Declaration (CVD) is a document that provides details about the contents and treatment of feed purchased from suppliers. Which is an important part of the livestock producers NVD declaration and biosecurity records.
A CVD is vital for managing risks associated with introduced stock feed, which include:
Chemical contamination that could harm livestock.
Weed seeds that could spread invasive plants on your property.
Poor-quality or unsuitable feed that may not meet your animals’ nutritional needs.
If you’re an accredited producer under the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program, obtaining and keeping a CVD is a key requirement of Module 3: Fodder Crop, Grain, and Pasture Treatments and Stock Foods. Even if you’re not LPA-accredited, keeping track of feed quality helps ensure the health and productivity of your livestock.
I know I want to know what my family and I are consuming, don't you?
How a CVD Protects You and Your Livestock
Food Safety: A CVD helps prevent animals from being exposed to unacceptable chemical residues, ensuring that meat products remain safe for consumers.
Accountability: The form includes information on the commodity’s composition, chemical treatments (type, rate, and application date), and withholding periods. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions.
Compliance: For LPA-accredited producers, obtaining a CVD ensures compliance with food safety standards. Nonconformity can result in financial losses and legal liabilities.
Best Practices for Using a CVD
Request a CVD for Every Feed Purchase: Whenever you buy fodder or grain from a third party, ask the supplier to complete a CVD. This guarantees that you know what your animals are eating.
Verify and File the CVD: Check that the CVD matches the feed delivered. File the form with your farm records for future reference.
Manage Feed Risks Without a CVD: If you cannot obtain a CVD, consider these steps: Apply a 60-day withholding period before feeding livestock; Test a feed sample for chemical residues; Declare any risks on your National Vendor Declaration (NVD) if livestock have already consumed the feed.
Safe Storage and Use: Store restricted or potentially contaminated materials separately; Ensure you are trained handle and apply chemicals responsibly; and Maintain a record of all chemical applications and introduced feed.
The Bigger Picture: Protecting Australia’s Red Meat Integrity
By adhering to safe feed practices and using CVDs, you’re contributing to the integrity of Australia’s red meat industry. Ensuring livestock are free from contaminants upholds consumer confidence and preserves the reputation of Australian meat in both the domestic and global markets.
But most of importantly, you know your animals are healthy, safe and what you are eating.
Next Steps
Download the CVD Form: https://www.integritysystems.com.au/globalassets/isc/pdf-files/commodity-vendor-declaration-cvd.pdf
Understand Compliance Requirements: Familiarise yourself with the LPA’s standards for stock foods, fodder crops, grain, and pasture treatments: https://www.integritysystems.com.au/on-farm-assurance/stock-foods-fodders-crops-grain-and-pasture-treatments/
Incorporate CVDs Into Your Management Plan: Learn how others have successfully used CVDs to enhance biosecurity and risk management on their farms.
By treating your livestock feed practices seriously and responsibly, you can protect your animals, meet compliance standards, and safeguard your farming future.