MLA launches new project to help boost the productivity of 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. 

MLA is calling for producers who are interested to sign up before June 30 by visiting this link: Registration - to a Producer Group

SMARTBEEF has been developed by MLA, industry experts, Western Beef Association and the University of Adelaide, it is designed to address the unique challenges faced by Western Australia’s beef industry including climate conditions and shifting market dynamics. 

This initiative is a direct response to feedback from producers across southern Western Australia, who have expressed a desire for more regionally tailored, practical support to improve their operations.

Through SMARTBEEF, MLA is demonstrating its commitment to listening to producers and delivering programs that meet their evolving needs.

By focusing on collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and real-world application, SMARTBEEF will ensure southern WA beef producers are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a changing industry.

Project team leader Lucy Anderton from LA.ONE Economics & Consulting said that this project is designed for southern WA producers to assist producers in tackling challenges through practical and collaborative learning.

"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," Ms Anderton said.

“It is an opportunity for these producers to improve their understanding of their productivity and profitability.”

By analysing their financials, cost of production, and production systems, producers will develop the skills to make data-driven decisions that 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. Producers will: 

• 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.
• Use myFARMSMART, an economic and scenario planning tool, to benchmark their figures and explore different options.

Focus Farms are leading farm operations that showcase best practices in areas like digital agriculture, reproductive efficiency and sustainability. These farms serve as practical examples for other producers, helping them adopt innovative technologies and strategies.

Albany producer Matt Leov is a Focus Farm host. “The ability to observe and understand the practices of similar farms presents a significant opportunity for improvement. It has the potential to transform how we operate.”

“I’m particularly looking forward to learning from others and identifying cost-effective strategies that can deliver meaningful results,” Mr Leov said.

The first producer group will start in July 2025 and finish in September 2026, and the second producer group will start in July 2026 and finish in December 2027.

This project is made possible through the MLA Donor Company, L.A One Consulting, Western Beef Association and the University of Adelaide.