What separates average producers from the top 20%?

05 May 2026

The most profitable red meat businesses don’t just work harder – they work smarter. In fact, the top 20% of producers generate around 80% more profit than the industry average, largely due to stronger production efficiency (more meat per hectare, per 100mm of rainfall).

Offerings like BulkUp – MLA’s new long‑term, peer‑supported learning program – are designed to help producers close that gap and build more profitable, resilient farm businesses.

What is BulkUp?

Running over six years with a minimum two-year commitment, BulkUp brings together MLA’s proven adoption packages into a single, structured pathway – supporting producers to lift performance through targeted technical learning, informed decision-making and benchmarking.

The BulkUp program is open to all red meat producers but is particularly suited to those looking to improve profitability through the support of a guided upskilling program and peer-learning network.

What will producers get out of it?

Producers who join BulkUp can expect practical, real‑world support to drive meaningful change on‑farm, including:

A guided whole‑farm systems approach
Work with expert coaches across business management, farm systems, feedbase and livestock performance.
Peer‑to‑peer learning and support
Learn alongside like‑minded producers in your region, sharing challenges, insights and proven approaches in a trusted group environment.
Business benchmarking
From year two, agribusiness analysts will complete production and financial benchmarking to help identify opportunities to improve profitability.
Access to MLA’s proven adoption programs
BulkUp integrates programs such as Profitable Grazing Systems, BredWell FedWell and EDGEnetwork courses into one coordinated experience.

Taking you to the top 20%

By program completion, participants can expect to see real improvements in their operation. MLA adoption products included in BulkUp have demonstrated strong returns, including:

Increased profitability per hectare and per animal unit
Improved livestock performance
Better alignment between livestock production and market specifications
Stronger business decision-making supported by sound management accounting.

What’s involved?

Each BulkUp group will meet regularly and progress through the program together, guided by a local coach.

Annual activities include:

Monthly facilitated meetings
Quarterly technical workshops
Annual economic and production benchmarking (from year 2)
Ongoing coaching and support to implement learnings.

Your investment

Although it’s a six-year program, BulkUp participants will have the opportunity to exit the program following completion of year 2 if they don’t see benefit in continuing.

Time

Cost

The total time commitment expected from participants is as follows:

monthly online group calls to discuss progress and troubleshoot challenges
4–6 days/year of technical training
provision of economic and production data to complete benchmarking
commitment to enact learnings and implement practice change.

The program is valued at up to $8,000 per business per year, with producers paying:

$500/year in years 1–2
$1,500/year in years 3–6.

This equates to around a 15% producer contribution.

Be part of the first cohort

If you’re looking for practical support, expert guidance and a structured pathway to lift productivity and profitability, register your interest by 15 May.