FAQs and Their Answers
Who is the Murray Plains Meat Cooperative?
The MPMC are farmers and some butchers from the Barham region and surrounds. We are paying members and shareholders. We are passionate about our region having processing services and having control over the supply chain. We formed the MPMC in response to the closing of several local abattoirs and the continuing reduction in access to existing abattoirs, especially for smaller and organic producers.
What animals can get processed at the micro-abattoir?
The micro-abattoir was built to process poultry, goats, lambs, small and large pigs, small and large cattle and small buffalo (live weight limits are 500kgs).
Is the abattoir currently operating?
Yes we are. If you are interested in any of our services, please don't hesitate to contact us.
What are the steps for getting my animals processed?
If you are wanting to get your animals processed at our micro abattoir, please get in contact with us to discuss a time and date. Once you've got in contact with us, we will ask you a few questions like, are you wanting anything butchered, would you like delivery, and we will collect a few contact details. On the day of drop off we will need your NVD or Pig Pass. We will then collect your final details and your cut list (if needed).
Who can join?
Anyone can join the MPMC who processes at least 5 animals per year. The only restriction is when the micro-abattoir processing capacity of 720 Tonne per year is reached, which will invoke a review of the facility. For more information please see the shareholder page documents.
What licensing and rules does the micro-abattoir have to follow?
Abattoirs in New South Wales must pass a rigorous documentation of Food Safety Plans, EPA, Standard Operating procedures and animal welfare standards for every single process that occurs form when animals are dropped off to meat packing, staff training qualifications, waste and water treatment plans. Standards in the Building Code for Abattoirs and the Food Act must also be considered to be of standard to be in adherence to Australian Standards and to satisfy the DPI. This is passed and monitored by NSW DPI who will access and audit the facility and staff before a license is granted. The facility cannot operate without qualified and trained staff including a Meat Inspector and Animal Welfare Officer.
I only need a few animals done every now and then for our freezer at home, can I just drop them off?
Yes. We want to be able to provide a quality and accessible service for everyone. You won't necessarily need to become a shareholder but being a shareholder gives you priority access. Booking animals in is mandatory. Upon booking in your animal either by phone or email we will need your MLA National Livestock Declaration, Pigpass NVD, or poultry LVD form so that your animal can be tracked through the abattoir and then provided back the right person.