Amid the effects of the devastating drought the country experienced in the past year, the FAN Meat division of the MBN has developed standards for the marketing of FAN Meat grain-fed livestock. This is to accommodate livestock being fed concentrates at a level higher than allowed for free-range marketing.

In the past, such livestock would not qualify to be marketed under the FAN Meat scheme. According to the new standard, livestock being fed during periods of extended drought can be marketed as FAN Meat Grain Fed. Meat derived from such livestock is still marketed as hormone-free, antibiotic residue-free, respectful of animal welfare principles, carries a negligible risk for mad cow disease and is traceable to the farm of origin. The FAN Meat division is finalising standards for feedlots to operate under the scheme.