MSA Eating Quality series now Functional

Article by: Hari Yellina

Beef farmers are being urged to register for the free producer forums and awards presented throughout the country, with the start of the MSA Excellence in Eating Quality series less than two weeks away. When the Meat Standards Australia Excellence in Eating Quality Series is presented nationally in March 2022, beef farmers who consistently deliver carcases of outstanding eating quality will be recognised. The series, hosted by Meat & Livestock Australia, will visit six states across Australia, with each event having an interactive discussion centred on the theme of ‘Growing and Grading the Greatest Meat on Earth,’ followed by an awards ceremony.

The half-day forums are now accepting registrations, and are meant to provide farmers with the tools they need to implement realistic on-farm improvements that will enhance their herd’s eating quality, the end customer, and the industry’s profitability. Given the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, the biannual series was rescheduled for 2022. It was initially slated for September and October this year. The awards are given to top-performing MSA registered producers based on MSA Index results for MSA graded cattle in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 fiscal years.

With the exception of Tasmania, prizes will be given out in each state for the Most Outstanding MSA Feedlot and two awards for the Most Outstanding MSA Beef Producers, to recognise producers of both bigger and smaller MSA cattle. The forums, according to MSA programme manager David Packer, will give beef producers and others in the supply chain the chance to hear from the MLA leadership team and industry speakers about how to get the most out of the MSA programme. “The forums will go over the 2021 Australian Beef Eating Quality Insights report as a tool to compare MSA performance to other farmers and understand the on-farm production elements that influence beef eating quality,” Dr. Packer stated.

“Attendees will hear from local farmers that use MSA and carcass feedback to reach their target markets, as well as major industry experts who will provide advice on managerial and genetic aspects that influence positive MSA outcomes.” The audience will also have the unique opportunity to ask local processors and manufacturers’ questions. The strong eating quality performance of Australian beef over 2019-21 has been supported by participation along the entire Australian red meat supply chain. “I hope to see many members of our red meat industry at these events, so we can celebrate these outstanding results together.”