6 minute read
Exploring the world of Australian grain fed beef
Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer
They say there is no wealth like knowledge and with this in mind an important investment for Angus Australia is one into the transaction of knowledge to the younger generations that make up the wider beef industry.
One of the avenues pursued to assist in the development of ag up and comers is encouraging exposure across the various sectors, including to the grain-fed beef industry, through the offering of the Angus Foundation BeefEx conference scholarships. In 2022 Jack Jansen and Brooke Barnes were both selected for the Angus Foundation BeefEx scholarships, taking part in the industry conference when it was hosted by the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) in Brisbane, Queensland, in early October. Alongside Jack and Brooke were 2021 SmartBeef scholarship recipients Georgia Laurie and Phoebe Christie, who attended BeefEx in lieu of the SmartBeef conference following its cancellation in 2021. During their time in Brisbane, the four scholarship recipients attended seminars, trade shows and networking functions focused on consumer trends, the economics of the beef industry, global markets, leadership producers and finance. With approximately 40% of cattle in Australia grain fed (Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, 2021), the sector represents a large portion of the agricultural industry and sees people from a variety of relating careers come together to make up the workforce. BeefEx, which is held biennially, draws together feedlot operators and their staff, nutritionists, veterinarians, backgrounders, regulators, service providers, transport operators and others involved in the grain fed industry and beef supply chain. Jack Jansen initially applied for the scholarship due to his aspirations to work in the feedlotting industry following the completion of his Bachelor of Rural Science degree. At the conclusion the two-day event, Mr Jansen had taken plenty away in terms of his wider understanding of what was coming out of the sector. “The 2022 BeefEx conference was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest innovations, technologies and opportunities within the feedlot industry and celebrate its community,” said Mr Jansen. “In addition, the Performance Feed's welcome function provided the chance to catch up and network with people from across the supply chain, highlighting everyone's passion for producing quality beef and their excitement for the days ahead.” The following days were a blur of presentations, learning opportunities and networking. “Wednesday was filled with excellent presentations from diverse speakers covering current consumer trends, leadership and supply chain management,” said Mr Jansen. “A highlight for me was the presentation by former Federal Treasurer Peter Costello, who affirmed the favourable position of the Australian beef industry to capitalise in international markets during the current economic chaos.” “The communication of research presentations was also fascinating, with presentations on the application of genomics, shade and bunk scanning technologies by recent honours and PhD students. “Thursday also boasted an impressive line-up of speakers as we heard about the developing carcase technologies, the impact of lairage time on meat quality and lessons that the feedlot industry can learn from dairy farmers.” Brooke Barnes had expectations of the experience prior to taking part in the event, which were most definitely met. “Prior to attending the conference, I was seeking to gain an insight into the Australian feedlot industry with a finer focus on the supply chain; new research; and new technologies, along with how the industry is adapting globally,” said Ms Barnes. “BeefEx enabled me to gain a great understanding of the above, combined with the opportunity to network extensively with like-minded, passionate individuals.” Highlighting the size and impact of the industry in Australia and in turn its continued development to meet changing landscapes, Ms Barnes reflected on a number of sessions of interest to her. “As the Australian agricultural industry is a globally recognised market leader, the growing demand for
the Australian feedlot industry is representative of the premium products produced.” “Globally as we embark on the fourth Industrial Revolution, the future grain-fed industry will be required to adopt and incorporate both existing and emerging technologies to aid in the production, processing, and quality determination of red-meat products,” she said. “Anna Speer discussed how Greenstock was focusing on incorporating more improved sustainability practices into the business, whilst ensuring livestock, and product quality would not be impacted. “Anna covered current consumer trends of health, authenticity, convenience, and product affordability, whilst delving into what the future markets may be demanding. The ability to create new product developments to deliver sustainable, convenient, and quality products from pen to plate, Anna believes, will have a major presence in the future.” She continued, “Melissa George from Bovine Dynamics provided an insight into a short duration lairage project conducted and the emerging results. The effects lairage duration has on carcase yield, quality, and microbiological status was assessed in order to address the incidence of dark-cutting meat occurring within the industry. “Professor Graham Gardner from ALMTECH covered emerging carcase measurement technologies, along with challenges faced within the industry.” 2021 scholarship recipient Phoebe Christie was pleased to finally attend the industry event following the cancellation of the SmartBeef conference the year prior and reflected on the opportunity to network with other like-minded people with interests similar to her own. “Over the two days, I had the opportunity to interact with multiple trade stallholders, affording me valuable networking opportunities and attending social events that allowed me to interact with like-minded attendees,” she said. “The conference opened with an introduction by ALFA President Barb Madden with a supply chain discussion reviewing the journey from pen to plate. It was enlightening to hear about past, present, and future challenges that have and continue to shape the Australian grain fed Beef Industry.” Fellow 2021 scholarship recipient Georgia Laurie remarked on the variation of topics addressed during the conference, including an emphasis on how the agricultural industry goes forward with the growing spotlight of consumer expectations, and in turn the resulting spread of miseducation and misinformation. “All presenters and guest speakers were incredible to listen to, with speakers ranging from veterinarians and researchers to presenters who spoke on the role that red meat plays as a nutrient-dense source of protein for its consumers,” said Ms Laurie. “There was an extensive discussion about how the Australian agriculture industry needs to present itself to the broader community. As we all know, media and influencers have a massive role in manipulating consumer trends and opinions, getting these people onside is integral for improving the perception of beef production in Australia,” she continued. Ms Laurie was also able to apply her own experience as an Angus producer to the content she was engaging in, drawing from her personal operations at home to contextualise what she had learnt. “As a producer of Angus steers, it emphasised the role that feedlots have in the beef industry and the level of expertise that goes into turning our 460kg steer into a fully finished product in the most efficient way, all whilst getting treated with the uppermost care. “I encourage all youth members to apply for this as we all must understand the whole beef supply chain to the best of our ability - it doesn't end when the cattle leave the property.”
