WARWICK Saleyards has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to meet the increasing demands of the livestock and meat industries market place with accreditation received under the National Saleyards Quality Assurance program.  

The NSQA accreditation demonstrates the commitment of the Warwick Saleyards to both meet and maintain recognised national standards in the handling of livestock through all stages of the prime market and store/re-stocker market, Saleyard System.  

NSQA president Ian O'Loan  and executive officer David Pollock will present the Warwick Saleyard's NSQA Accreditation certificate to Southern Downs  Mayor Tracy Dobie at the saleyards tomorrow, from 7.30am to coincide with the weekly cattle sale.  

Mayor Dobie said she will be very proud to receive the accreditation certificate on behalf of the Warwick Saleyards and Southern Downs Regional Council.  

"The Warwick Saleyards staff and all those involved in the process of achieving the National Saleyards Quality Assurance accreditation should be extremely proud of their efforts," she said.  

"This accreditation sends a clear message to the industry and to the community that the Warwick Saleyards is serious about product quality and integrity, and serves to strengthen the excellent reputation that the saleyards currently enjoys.   "It is anticipated that such accreditation will be a further draw-card for livestock sellers and buyers to use the Warwick Saleyards now and into the future".

There are several steps in the process towards gaining the NSQA accreditation which includes training of staff in the development and management of the Quality Assurance Program; assessing existing facilities and undertaking modifications or re-development as necessary to meet the requirements of the National Standard; developing the Quality Assurance Manual using the NSQA Inc guidelines; submitting the manual for audit and approval; and assessment of the saleyard under a site audit over the duration of a sale.