MLA launches project to help boost WA beef businesses

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Western Australia Livestock Research Council (WALRC) have announced The SMARTBEEF Project, a new initiative aimed at boosting the productivity and profitability of southern Western Australian beef producers.

The SMARTBEEF Project brings producers together to collaborate, share knowledge and implement practical on-farm improvements. Developed by MLA, industry experts, Western Beef Association and The University of Adelaide, the program is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by Western Australia’s beef industry, including climate conditions and shifting market dynamics.

The program will allow producers to:

• attend group meetings that focus on sharing producer experiences and encouraging skill development;
• learn from a Focus Farm and gain knowledge in supply chain opportunities; and
• use myFARMSMART, an economic and scenario planning tool, to benchmark their figures and explore different options.

Project team leader Lucy Anderton, from LA.ONE Economics & Consulting, said: “This project isn’t about sitting in a room listening to presentations. It’s about producers working together, learning from each other, and using practical tools to drive success.” 

By analysing financials, cost of production and production systems, the program will help producers develop the skills to make data-driven decisions that could improve profitability. They will also gain insights into the WA beef market and market specifications through access to industry experts and supply chain participants.

The program begins in July, with the first producer group running through to September 2026. The second group will run from July 2026–December 2027.

MLA is encouraging interested producers to register before 30 June.

To find out more, click here. 

Image credit: iStock.com/:SimonSkafar