A Boon for Producers with Nearly Half a Billion in Farmgate Returns

In a testament to its success, the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) program has contributed an impressive $463 million in farm gate returns to producers over the past two years, according to the 2023 Australian Beef Eating Quality Insights (ABEQI) report.

The comprehensive ABEQI report, drawing on data from the 2021–22 and 2022–23 fnancial years, analysed all MSA graded cattle. This included data collected by MSAaccredited graders, information from sources like the National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS), and additional details such as animal health and defects.

Dr. David Packer, Program Manager for MSA at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), emphasised that the report encapsulates a wealth of data, providing a detailed analysis of trends and outcomes within the

MSA program, broken down by state and various other factors.

The report highlights a remarkable trend of continuous improvement within the industry, showcasing the data necessary to build on these achievements, Mr. Packer noted.

Premiums for MSA-compliant cattle, coupled with an increasing number of cattle receiving MSA grading with higher carcass weights, have resulted in the substantial farm gate returns of $463 million since 2021. Financial incentives offered by processors and brand owners for meeting MSA compliance and eating quality specifcations contribute signifcantly to the returns enjoyed by MSA beef producers in the previous two years.

“In 2021–2023, nongrainfed cattle meeting MSA and company requirements potentially received an additional $0.36/kg over-the-hooks

(OTH) compared to non-MSA cattle,” Mr. Packer stated. “The average non-grainfed cattle consigned for MSA grading during this time weighed 306kg, potentially equating to an additional $110 per head.”

Similarly, the premium for grainfed cattle meeting MSA and company requirements was an extra $0.15/ kg compared to nonMSA grainfed cattle. Additionally, grainfed cattle consigned to MSA grading weighed 347kg, potentially leading to an additional $51/head, Mr. Packer explained.

Developed by the Australian red meat industry, MSA aims to enhance the eating quality consistency of beef and sheep meat. The program, grounded in nearly 1.7 million consumer taste tests from over 250,000 consumers in 13 countries, considers all factors infuencing eating quality from the paddock to the plate.