I’ve Just Been Notified I’m Getting an LPA Audit — What Do I Do?

Receiving an email advising that you are due for a Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) audit can trigger immediate stress — especially if you are a small or newer producer. The good news is this:

Audits are not designed to catch you out.
They are a verification process to confirm that you understand and are applying the principles of the Livestock Production Assurance program.

If you approach it methodically, an audit is very manageable.

First Things First — Take a Breath

Audits can feel incredibly daunting when you’re unsure where to start or what you need in place. So, if you’ve received an audit notification and you’re already preparing — well done. That’s exactly what you should be doing.

The auditor’s role is to:

• Verify your systems

• Ask questions about your processes

• Guide you if something is missing or unclear

You are not expected to be perfect — you are expected to be accountable, honest, and willing to improve.

Step 1: Start With an LPA Audit Checklist

The easiest way to regain control is to work through an LPA Audit Checklist.

This acts as your roadmap and helps ensure nothing is overlooked before audit day.

Use it to:

• Identify what documents you already have

• Highlight gaps that need attention

• Prepare explanations for how you manage livestock on your property

Step 2: Save and Keep Core Reference Documents on File

Auditors will expect that you have access to key industry reference material. These don’t need to be memorised — they simply need to be available and current.

Make sure you have the following saved electronically or printed and on hand:

• Sheep Standards and Guidelines

• Cattle Standards and Guidelines

• Goats Standards and Guidelines

• Fit to Load Guide

• Rules for the LPA Program

During an audit, being able to demonstrate that you know where to access these documents is often sufficient.

Step 3: Complete Your Plans & Record-Keeping Booklet

A well-structured booklet or folder that contains your plans and records makes audits significantly easier. An editable booklet should include the following completed sections:

Mandatory Plans:

• Property Risk Assessment — must be completed

• Animal Welfare Management Plan — must be completed

• Biosecurity Management Plan — must be completed

These plans show how you identify and manage risks related to animal welfare, food safety, biosecurity and property hazards.

Record-Keeping Sections

• Animal Husbandry & Chemical Records

  • Product names

  • Dose rates

  • Dates administered

  • Animals treated

  • Withholding periods

• NVD / eNVD Records — incoming and outgoing

• Visitor Register

• Feed Purchase Register

• Feed Out Register

• Buying and Selling Records

Auditors are not looking for perfection — they are looking for consistency and traceability.

Step 4: Check the Small but Critical Details

Before audit day, run through these key reminders:

1. Chemical Storage

   • Stored securely

   • Used strictly as per label instructions

   • No out-of-date products on hand

2. Movement & Treatment Records

   • All incoming and outgoing livestock movements documented

   • All incoming and outgoing NVDs or eNVDs completed correctly and retained

   • Treatments clearly recorded with withholding periods observed

3. Visitor Procedures

   • Biosecurity signage displayed at property entry points

   • Visitor register completed

   • Ability to explain your visitor biosecurity process

Biosecurity signs are readily available from most local produce stores.

Step 5: Be Ready to Explain What You Do — Not Just Show Paperwork

Audits are conversational. The auditor may ask:

• How do you manage sick or injured animals?

• How do you ensure animals are fit to load?

• What happens when new livestock arrive?

• How do you manage visitors and contractors?

There is no “perfect answer” — only honest explanations that align with LPA principles.

The Most Important Thing to Remember

Once again — LPA audits are not about punishment.

If something is missing, incomplete or misunderstood:

• You will usually be guided on what needs to be corrected

• You may be given time to address gaps

• Education and improvement are the priority

Most producers leave audits feeling more confident, not less.

Need Support? You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you would like help:

• Working through your checklist

• Completing plans and records

• Understanding what an auditor is likely to ask

• Preparing calmly and confidently

Reach out. Asking questions before an audit is one of the strongest things you can do as a producer.

You’re doing the right thing — and you’ve got this.

Kind Regards,
Amanda Burchmann 
Livestock Production & Industry Development Specialist
Founder | Advocate | ProducerPhone: 0408847536
Email: amanda@jabagrisolutions.com.au

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is true and correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of publication. It is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify any information and seek independent advice relevant to their individual circumstances, particularly where legal, financial, or regulatory compliance matters are concerned.