A collaborative initiative to develop the red meat industry’s future digital leaders

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has partnered with Charles Sturt University to launch the NextGen Data Capability Program, a strategic initiative designed to accelerate the red meat industry’s digital transformation by investing in the next generation of data specialists.
 
The program builds on MLA’s commitment to leading industry-wide data and artificial intelligence transformation, thereby strengthening Australia’s position as a world leader in traceability, transparency, and decision-making across the red meat supply chain.
 
The $2.4 million investment will be jointly funded by Charles Sturt University and the MLA Donor Company, an MLA subsidiary established to accelerate innovation and ensure Australia’s red meat and livestock industry remains globally competitive.
 
MLA brings established systems and deep industry knowledge, while CSU contributes expertise in data science, data engineering, artificial intelligence, and analytics. 
 
Integrity Systems Company Chief Executive Officer Jo Quigley said the initiative represents a practical step toward turning strategy into delivery.
 
“MLA’s 2030 Strategic Plan makes it clear that data is one of our industry’s most powerful tools. To fully realise that potential, we need to have both advanced digital systems and the people who can design, build, and apply them to complex real-world problems,” Ms Quigley said.
 
“Charles Sturt University has strong capability in advanced data disciplines. What their students need is access to real-world agricultural problems. This program brings those two strengths together in a shared solution that benefits everyone. 
 
“It accelerates delivery of our Data Strategy and provides a scalable model for embedding digital and data capability across the sector. If successful, it could become a template for future MLA capability development and a key lever for fast-tracking industry digital transformation.”
 
This program will help build the workforce in an increasingly digitally focused industry by creating, real-world opportunities for Charles Sturt students. Approximately 15 students will have the opportunity to work on priority data use cases such as:

• Improving production efficiency while maintaining product quality
• Opportunities to drive higher returns through growth and value optimisation
• AI-driven insights from research libraries.
• Carbon footprint calculation per animal to estimate emissions and support sustainability goals.
• Enhance products and operations through customer insight analytics 

Students who successfully apply to participate in the program will be matched with one of MLA’s data use cases. Participants will work closely with MLA experts to deliver defined outcomes, while being academically supervised and supported by CSU. They will also present their work through regular showcases at MLA and participate in broader MLA capability development activities.
 
“It’s a win-win,” said Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon, “MLA accelerates its digital transformation, and our students build the skills and confidence to become the workforce of the future.
 
“Regional industries are crying out for graduates who can combine traditional agricultural knowledge with advanced digital and data skills.
 
“This collaboration is about embedding cutting-edge data and AI capabilities into our courses while giving students the chance to work on projects that matter to industry right now.”
 
The NextGen Data Capability Program is now open for student applications. For more information, visit: NextGen Data Capability Program