Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures

As best practice, farm businesses should have a code of conduct and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to clearly set expectations for behaviour and work practices. Together, they provide consistent guidance and support across the business.

A code of conduct sets out the ethical standards and behaviours expected in the workplace, while SOPs explain how tasks should be completed safely, consistently and efficiently. These documents are not designed to cover every situation, but to guide employees in making sound decisions and doing their job well.

Key principles supported by these documents include:

accountability
openness and objectivity
honesty
leadership

It is also best practice to include a social media policy, so employees understand their responsibilities online and that comments or behaviour on social media can still impact the workplace and employment relationship.

Clear codes of conduct, SOPs and workplace policies help reduce risk, improve safety and animal welfare, support fair treatment, and create a respectful, professional farm workplace. All employees should understand and comply with them.

ProHand Dairy Cows – Changing stock handling on farm

Gerard and Michelle manage a 1,000-cow farm and inherited stock handling practices that were considered “normal” but were causing unnecessary stress for cows. Rather than replacing staff, they invested in ProHand Dairy Cows training for the whole team to improve animal handling, welfare and staff confidence.

The training helped staff understand cow behaviour and how better handling reduces stress for both animals and people. Within six months, some staff chose to move on, while others adapted well. Animal welfare is now embedded across the farm through position descriptions, induction, the code of conduct and SOPs.

Results after 12 months: