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<strong>September</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
MIDLAND FARMER<br />
13<br />
Agriculture was identified as a key industry<br />
in the climate change challenge. A number of<br />
regulations have been put in place to combat<br />
the issue which are impacting traditional agricultural<br />
activities.<br />
While it has not directly affected the Costelloes<br />
who Michael Jr described as “an ancillary<br />
service to agriculture”, the attitude towards<br />
animal hides used in clothing has altered the<br />
business.<br />
John said that J&M&Son’s service is an<br />
important part of having a more sustainable<br />
environment.<br />
“The livestock industry needs to dispose of<br />
carcasses in a professional, ecological and<br />
environmentally friendly manner,” he said.<br />
“It becomes more important now in terms of<br />
the environment that everything is disposed of<br />
correctly.”<br />
One aspect of ensuring this process is carried<br />
out effectively is the traceability of the<br />
animal.<br />
This procedure involves the collection of a<br />
fallen animal’s passport which must match<br />
their ear tag. <strong>Farmer</strong>s are then given a document<br />
“so they have proof that the animal has<br />
gone through the correct channels for disposal”,<br />
explained John.<br />
“Then it gives the Department of Agriculture<br />
the wherewithal to certify that the country is<br />
following environmental guidelines and providing<br />
traceability for all stock.”<br />
“Traceability is vital for the Department of<br />
Agriculture,” he added.<br />
The industry has evolved in this sense since<br />
John first started collecting hides with his<br />
father.<br />
“Years ago there was no traceability. You collected<br />
the cow, brought it back, skinned it, sold<br />
the hides, cut off the meat for the greyhounds<br />
and chucked the rubbish into the bin. Then the<br />
bin went off. Done.”<br />
The industry continues to adapt and change<br />
and Michael Jr said it is important for<br />
J&M&Son to “move with the times”.<br />
“The new process involves a lot of technol-<br />
• Continued on page 14<br />
John Costelloe<br />
Michael Costelloe.<br />
Best wishes to John Costelloe & Family<br />
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