Industry news

Three years of drought coinciding with their first three years in business showed Tasmanian producers William and Melissa Fergusson just how important planning is to business survival.

Researchers have made important progress towards developing a new vaccine for ovine footrot, a serious disease in sheep that causes severe economic loss, suffering due to lameness and disruption to normal farm operations.

North Queensland beef producers can hear how genetics and new technologies can boost the performance of their herds at MLA's BeefUp Forum at Spyglass Research Station via Charters Towers on 7 September.

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has launched a new online platform that provides consumers with an open and trusted source of information about the production of beef, sheep and goat meat in Australia.

Producers across southern Australia have relied on drought lots for their sheep over winter and, with continuing dry conditions forecast, are now looking at extending their use.

An MLA-funded trial has begun at the NT Government’s Victoria River Research Station (also known as Kidman Springs) which aims to encourage cattle to go where the grass is greener.

Livestock producers in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia are being warned to be alert to the potential emergence of pimelea as research continues into solutions to treat livestock poisoning from the potentially fatal plants.

Almost 1,000 producers, researchers and industry stakeholders gathered in Perth this week for LambEx. When not listening to a range of local and international speakers talk on lamb, attendees ate lamb, discussed lamb and checked out all the latest technologies to make producing the best lamb easier at the three day event.

Northern Territory beef producers can hear the latest regionally-relevant beef industry research and receive practical information to assist their businesses at MLA's BeefUp Forum this month.

MLA's dedicated foodservice program, Rare Medium, has launched the latest issue of its seasonal e-magazine – with a focus on exploring Australian lamb from paddock to plate.

Earlier this year MLA relaunched its foodservice-focused Rare Medium platform to address a lack of formal red meat training in culinary education and ensure red meat remains on the menu.

In response to the dry conditions in southern Australia, specialist veterinarian Rod Manning recommends autumn calves be weaned now and here he shares his tips on how to get them to hit the ground running.

Candidates are being sought to fill one cattle producer representative position on the MLA Board Selection Committee at this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), on 21 November 2018 in Canberra.

In a celebration of Meat Standards Australia’s (MSA) 20 year anniversary, the 64th annual International Congress of Meat Science and Technology (ICoMST) will run a special MSA forum as part of its program on Monday, 13 August 2018 in Melbourne.

Ongoing drought conditions combined with a surge in female turn-off has seen Australian cattle slaughter forecasts revised upwards to 7.8 million head for 2018, 9% higher than the 2017 total, according to MLA's Cattle Industry Projections mid-year update.

Drought, a change in enterprise and engaging the next generation prompted Cunnamulla sheep producer Kym Thomas to look for support and tools to drive her enterprise forward.

As grain and fodder supplies run critically low - and pastures come under increased grazing pressure - producers are urged to be proactive and plan ahead to meet turn off targets.

After 41 years, Allister Lugsdin is leaving MLA to retire. Here he shares his red meat career highlights.