Innovation and resilience take centre stage at MLA Updates

More than 470 stakeholders gathered at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 20 November for MLA’s flagship event, MLA Updates.

Under the theme Towards 2030: Driving prosperity through productivity, profitability and sustainability, the event delivered a dynamic day of insights, innovation and industry connection.

Emceed by ABC Landline’s Pip Courtney, the day featured panel discussions with a broad range of industry leaders, practical demonstrations, and insights into the future of the red meat industry.

From Broken Hill to the English Channel

Keynote speaker, sheep station manager Brendan Cullen, captivated the audience with his deeply personal story of overcoming drought, isolation and mental health challenges.

His keynote traced the emotional and physical toll of managing a remote property during prolonged dry seasons, and the quiet battles that often go unseen in rural communities.

Brendan’s journey from swimming laps in his dam to conquering the English Channel became a powerful metaphor for endurance, discipline and hope.

His commitment to mental health advocacy is grounded in lived experience, and his role as a Lifeline Ambassador and Royal Flying Doctor Service Champion reflects a deep desire to give back to the communities who supported him.

Brendan’s presentation was a reminder to MLA Updates attendees that resilience isn’t just about surviving tough times – it’s about finding purpose, staying connected, and creating support for others to thrive.

Schools join MLA Updates 2025  

A new initiative driving industry-to-school engagement was hosted alongside MLA Updates in Adelaide.

Secondary school teachers attended a two-day professional development experience where they gained valuable real-world industry insights, coupled with an exploration of MLA school resources and effective strategies supporting enhanced classroom delivery.  

Research in action at Roseworthy

Attendees at this year’s MLA Updates were invited to tour Adelaide University’s Roseworthy campus ahead of the main event.

The field trip offered a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge livestock infrastructure, research and innovation – including methane measurement in cattle, chronic pain assessment, drought resilience trials and alternative shearing technologies.

The visit provided a hands-on experience with several MLA- Adelaide University collaborations and levy-funded projects – showcasing how research is being translated into practical solutions for producers.

The day concluded with welcome drinks hosted by MLA, followed by Livestock SA’s AGM and industry dinner – giving attendees the chance to connect and reflect in a more informal setting.

Adelaide University’s Roseworthy campus tour allowed attendees to see MLA-Adelaide University levy-funded projects in action.

Showcase highlights

The MLA Updates Showcase brought together a vibrant mix of research, technology and product innovation, offering attendees a look at the future of red meat production.

From virtual fencing and feedbase monitoring to sustainability metrics and integrity systems, the displays reflected MLA’s commitment to driving productivity and value across the supply chain.

A standout feature was The Gourmet Goat Lady, who drew crowds with her new goat salami – a premium smallgoods product developed with MLA support to meet growing consumer demand.

The salami, made from 100% farmed goatmeat, is the first of its kind to receive NSW Food Authority approval for safe production and is already generating interest from specialty retailers.

Also featured was Highlands Natural MLA supported bovine product innovations, which transform carcase waste into high-value bone broth and supplements for health and wellness markets.

This ‘waste to wealth’ initiative is helping producers unlock new revenue streams while reducing environmental impact.

MLA Sheep Genetics Manager, Peta Bradley, chats with sheep producer Scott Young.

Other key highlights from MLA research included:

• On-farm productivity – featuring projects such as the Australian Pasture Genebank, sterile insect techniques, and precision sheep management. Interactive displays included shedding sheep body condition scoring tools, eID tagging demonstrations for goats, and a virtual tour with the Indigenous NB2 group.
• Genetics – showcasing multibreed evaluation tools and methane-reducing breeding strategies, with interactive sheep and cow models and a portable accumulation chamber used to measure emissions.
• Integrity systems – providing hands-on support with NLIS, LPA and eNVD systems, including previews of the upcoming NLIS 2.0 platform.
• Marketing and market insights hub – with insights into domestic and international consumer trends, current advertising campaigns and market snapshots.
• Objective measurement hub – displayed cutting-edge grading technologies including MEQ cameras, microwave sensors and hook tracking systems, which support value-based marketing and Meat Standards Australia.
• Peak industry body and Research Advisory Council hubs – providing pathways for producers to engage with MLA’s R&D investment process and connect with industry bodies shaping the sector’s future.