P.PSH.1505 - BeefUp Forums – WA 2024

Summary

BeefUp forums are regional events designed and delivered for the northern Australian beef industry with the purpose to raise awareness of relevant research, development, extension and adoption (RDE&A).

Objectives

1.    Event attendance of at least 30 producers representing 30 pastoral businesses and 10 million ha under management, as well as engage and encourage participation from industry and supply chain representatives.
•    50 producer attendees representing 23 businesses and management of 6.22m ha pastoral land and 
        65,700 cattle.
•    70 industry attendees

2.    At least 90% of attendees indicate they gain an increased awareness and/or knowledge of industry 
       RDE&A from the event(s).
•    56% of attendees completed the survey forms following the event.  Those that completed the surveys 
        indicated an 81% increased awareness of industry initiatives as positive outcomes of the events.

3.    Average attendee satisfaction score for the event is at least 8/10.
•    Attendees indicated and 8.8 satisfaction rating and a value for time attending of 8.4

4.    MLA, KPCA and WA DPRID are provided with an opportunity to highlight their programs to producers in northern WA via these events.
•    MLA, KPCA and DPIRD were all involved in the presentations at both BeefUps with all having the opportunity to host an exhibition booth and liaise with pastoralists and industry at the ample opportunities.

Key findings

• The collaboration of MLA, DPIRD and KPCA to present the 2024 Western Australian BeefUp program has  been of positive benefit to the north Western Australian beef industry.
• An organising committee of on-the-ground pastoral and industry representatives ensured topics were relevant and engaging.
• Panel sessions and presentations by fellow pastoralists were appreciated by the pastoral attendees.

Benefits to industry

The BeefUp forums played a crucial role in:

• Increasing knowledge of research, development and adoption opportunities in the red meat sector by Kimberley and Pilbara pastoralists
• Key opportunity for the presentation of region-specific topics by field specialists greatly enhanced attendees’ knowledge and propensity for adoption.
• Provision of two successful events that would not have occurred without collaboration between MLA, DPIRD and KPCA.

MLA action

The BeefUp Forums promote collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange, enabling producers to tackle challenges, take advantage of emerging opportunities, and contribute to the success and sustainability of the Australian beef industry.

Future research

Based on the successful outcomes and positive feedback, it is recommended that the forums continue to be delivered in northern Australia. Specific recommendations include:

• Increased utilisation of panel sessions and experienced producer presentations for greater engagement by attendees
• Capacity for host organisation to secure surplus funds for replication of the event in future years.
• Removal of MDC management fee for provision of a MLA branded product.