The Meat Standards Australia (MSA) program has been a significant boon for Australian beef producers, with farm gate returns of $463 million generated over the past two years, according to the recently released 2023 Australian Beef Eating Quality Insights (ABEQI) report. The report analyzed data from MSA graded cattle during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 financial years, incorporating information from MSA-accredited graders, the National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS), and additional data on animal disease and defects.
Dr. David Packer, the Program Manager for MSA at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), highlighted the comprehensive nature of the ABEQI report. He stated that the document not only presents trends and outcomes from the MSA program but also breaks down data by state and various other factors.
The success of the MSA program can be attributed to the premiums received by producers of MSA compliant cattle, combined with the increasing number of cattle being MSA graded with higher carcase weights. Financial incentives offered by processors and brand owners for meeting MSA compliance and eating quality specifications have played a pivotal role in boosting farm gate returns.
For non-grainfed cattle meeting MSA and company requirements, the potential additional return averaged $0.36/kg over-the-hooks (OTH) compared to non-MSA cattle. Considering that the average weight of non-grainfed cattle consigned for MSA grading during this period was 306kg, this equated 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 non-MSA grainfed cattle, with grainfed cattle consigned for MSA grading weighing an average of 347kg, potentially resulting in $51 more per head.
Meat Standards Australia (MSA) was developed by the Australian red meat industry with the aim of enhancing the eating quality consistency of beef and sheepmeat. The program is based on extensive consumer taste tests, involving over 250,000 consumers from 13 countries and nearly 1.7 million individual tests. It takes into account all factors influencing eating quality, from the paddock to the plate.
The remarkable success of the MSA program, as evidenced by the substantial farm gate returns, underscores the fundamental improvements achieved within the Australian beef industry. By continuing to build on these achievements, industry stakeholders can further enhance both consumer satisfaction and producer profitability.
In conclusion, the ABEQI report highlights the impressive financial impact of the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) program, with farm gate returns totaling $463 million over the past two years. The premiums received for MSA compliant cattle, combined with the growing demand for MSA graded beef, have played a crucial role in driving these returns. With ongoing efforts to improve eating quality consistency, the Australian beef industry is poised to continue its success and deliver high-quality products to consumers worldwide.
