Laws, regulations and standards for dairy farmers

As a dairy farmer, you must comply with certain:

• laws
• standards
• codes of practice

Laws for dairy farmers

As a dairy farmer, you need to follow the laws in the following acts of parliament:

• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 1986
  • Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019
• Dairy Act 2000
• Livestock Management Act 2010

Standards and codes of practice

The standards and codes for the welfare of dairy cattle include:

• The Code of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Cattle which outlines the minimum standards acceptable for the welfare and husbandry of dairy cows.
• The Land Transport Standards which outlines the minimum standards required when transporting cattle by road, rail or on a vehicle aboard a ship.

Further information

The Victorian dairy industry is regulated by Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV).

Under the Dairy Act 2000, DFSV licences all Victorian dairy premises – including dairy farmers – and approves and ensures compliance with food safety programs.

For more information on food safety for dairy producers, please visit the DFSV website or contact info@dairysafe.vic.gov.au.