Celebrating excellence: MSA Excellence in Eating Quality Awards spotlight top MSA beef producers

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Meat Standards Australia (MSA) Excellence in Eating Quality Awards at a gala event held at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, 18 November.
 
The event brought together leading producers, feedlotters, processors, and industry stakeholders to celebrate outstanding achievements in delivering premium eating quality beef to Australian consumers and global markets. Guests enjoyed a panel of speakers discussing the importance of eating quality to differentiate Australian red meat and how improvements can be made across the value chain, along with networking with fellow producers from across the country.
 
Program Manager for Meat Standards Australia, David Packer, said the awards highlight the dedication and innovation of producers who strive for excellence in eating quality.

“These winners represent the best of the best in our industry. Achieving consistently high MSA Index scores and compliance requires a deep understanding of genetics, nutrition, and animal welfare,” Dr Packer said. 
 
“It’s not just about meeting standards; it’s about exceeding them to deliver an exceptional eating experience every time.
 
“Their commitment ensures consumers can trust the quality of beef on their plate.”
 
MSA is a world-leading eating quality program developed by MLA. Underpinned by extensive consumer sensory testing, MSA predicts eating quality for cut across the carcase based on factors such as pH, ossification and marbling.
 
This empowers producers to improve on-farm practices and ensures consumers enjoy consistently tender, juicy, and flavoursome beef.
 
The MSA Eating Quality Awards recognise producers who consistently achieve exceptional results under the MSA grading system. Awards are presented in three categories:

• Most Outstanding MSA Feedlot – for feedlot operators delivering superior eating quality outcomes across their consigned cattle.
• Most Outstanding MSA Non-Feedlot Band 1 – for non-feedlot producers with annual consignments of 500 head or more.
• Most Outstanding MSA Non-Feedlot Band 2 – for non-feedlot producers with annual consignments between 100 and 500 head. 

Award recipients are selected based on the MSA Index and compliance to MSA minimum specifications. 
 
The MSA Index is a feedback benchmark tool that reflects the predicted eating quality of an entire beef carcase.
 
The Index ranges from 30 to 80 and is calculated as a weighted average of the eating quality across 39 cuts of the carcase.

It is calculated using only attributes influenced by pre-slaughter production. It reflects the impact of management, environmental and genetic differences between cattle at the point of slaughter and can be used across all processors, geographic regions and over time.

2025 MSA Eating Quality Award Winners
Most Outstanding MSA Feedlot:

• NSW: Bunnaloo Pastoral Co
• QLD: Canning Downs South Trust Pty Ltd
• VIC: Alloa Pastoral
• SA: Thomas Foods International Southern Cross Feedlot
• WA: Stone Axe Pastoral Company

 
Most Outstanding MSA Non-Feedlot Band 1:

• NSW: Ardsley Pastoral
• QLD: Hughes & Sons Pty Ltd
• VIC: Woorabinda Farms
• TAS: Ross & Mary Mace – Lawrenny Estate
• SA: Thomas Foods International
• WA: BL & SJ Nairn

 
Most Outstanding MSA Non-Feedlot Band 2:

• NSW: Barry Trethowan
• QLD: G & M Gray Family Trust
• VIC: GR Walsh
• TAS: PN & DA Bonney
• SA: Bralyn Nominees Pty Ltd
• WA: Mirreanda Pty Ltd

 
Among the standout winners was Thomas Foods International, which claimed both Most Outstanding MSA Feedlot and Most Outstanding MSA Non-Feedlot Band 1 in South Australia.
 
Tom Davies, TFI Chief Operating Officer said that the awards were a recognition of their drive to continuously improve the performance of their cattle and eating quality.

“It’s a great honour to receive these awards. They are a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest eating quality for consumers and to the dedication of our entire team,” Mr Davies said. 
 
“Working closely with MLA and embracing MSA has been central to our success, and we’re proud to be recognised alongside such exceptional producers from right around the country.”
  
A full list of finalists and placegetters can be found on MLA’s website.