MEQ partners with the Australian Wagyu Association

Melbourne-based agtech company MEQ and the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) have formed a partnership that will use carcass measurement technology for valuable insights throughout the Wagyu supply chain.

The partnership will see MEQ assume the role of an objective carcass grading partner for the association. In addition to delivering carcass measurements to the association’s base of over 1000 members, MEQ will provide analysis of measurement data using its AI-powered tools, which will provide new insights for the Wagyu supply chain.

Matthew McDonagh, CEO of the Australian Wagyu Association, said, “Quality is paramount with Wagyu, and we are always on the lookout for tools that can improve the breed and further its reputation as the world’s luxury beef. This is why we are delighted to be embarking on this unique partnership with MEQ that will greatly expand the AWA’s data collection and analytics capabilities.

“With MEQ on board as an AWA objective grading partner, we greatly expand our ability to use high accuracy commercial data from Wagyu producers around the world. This ensures that our members know the exact composition of their product, regardless of their location.

“MEQ’s suite of tools helps us delve into the science behind the meat and we look forward to working together to advance the production of Australian Wagyu.”

MEQ technology uses spectral analysis to determine the intramuscular fat percentage (IMF) or eating quality of meat on a carcass-by-carcass basis. Using physics, chemistry and biology with machine learning, the technology can provide meat processors with a benchmark to improve the quality of their product. The real-time information created can be shared up and down the supply chain.

As part of the partnership, MEQ will be the official AWA Progeny Test Program’s objective carcass grading partner; a breeding initiative focused on refining the best traits in the Wagyu sector.  MEQ grading data and analysis will also be incorporated into the association’s BREEDPLAN initiative; an industry-wide database that documents the estimated breeding value of animals and serves as a benchmark for genetic performance.

Remo Carbone, CEO of MEQ, said, “Australian Wagyu has always stood out within the global red meat industry. MEQ is thrilled by our new partnership that will arm association members with actionable insights derived directly from measurement data that can be used to make the best business decisions. We are also excited to participate in the Progeny Test Program and BREEDPLAN to help further the Wagyu breed as a whole.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Vladimir Mironov