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Implementation of Objective Measurement

Overview

Overview

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), through its Objective Measurement (OM) and Supply Chain Implementation programmes, is driving a suite of initiatives aimed at accelerating the development, adoption, and commercialisation of OM technologies and associated data analytics systems across the red meat industry.

These programmes go beyond the initial build and early adoption phases, focusing on overcoming barriers to scaled implementation and embedding OM technologies into business-as-usual operations. This includes validating alternative business models, supporting commercialisation pathways, and ensuring that enabling systems are in place to maximise industry-wide benefits.

The initiatives represent a strategic extension of MLA’s early adoption efforts, transitioning supply chains from pilot projects to full integration of OM technologies within operational frameworks.

Core Activities

The activities under this programme support the adoption of OM-based solutions that can be applied to live animals or carcases to measure traits critical to compliance, productivity, and carcase value. These solutions underpin improved grading accuracy, enhanced feedback systems, and optimised supply chain performance.

Outcomes from this product group are primarily delivered through MLA Donor Company investments, complemented by producer levies and funding from the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC).

Key initiatives include:

  • Carcase Measurement Solutions: Supporting implementation of technologies that enhance Meat Standards Australia (MSA) and AUS-MEAT grading systems. This includes exploring opportunities for hot (pre-chiller) beef grading, improving lean meat yield measurement, and enabling adoption of the cuts-based MSA sheepmeat model. Additionally, OM data is being leveraged to underpin brand-based strategies for processors and brand owners.
  • Traceability Solutions: Facilitating adoption of proven traceability systems within abattoirs to deliver improved end-to-end integration and data flow from OM technologies, strengthening supply chain transparency and compliance.
  • Supply Chain Feedback Systems: Supporting implementation of feedback and feed-forward mechanisms that enable processors and producers to act on OM data, improving decision-making and enabling OM-driven value propositions.

Benefits to industry

The implementation phase represents the final step in the technology development pipeline, where OM technologies transition from trial to full-scale adoption across supply chains. These investments are critical to realising the modelled economic and operational benefits of the OM programme.

According to MLA’s most recent modelling (2020), the projected net first-round benefit from widespread adoption of carcase and live animal OM technologies is substantial:

  • $62.7 million annually by 2030, with the majority derived from cattle OM ($50.2 million).
  • $216.9 million annually by 2045, with cattle OM contributing $174.5 million.
  • $1.3 billion net benefit to the red meat industry between 2025 and 2045.

These benefits stem from improved grading accuracy, enhanced feedback loops, optimised processing decisions, and greater alignment between production and market requirements. Ultimately, OM implementation strengthens industry competitiveness, supports value-based trading models, and drives productivity gains across the supply chain.