A.BSF.0006 - National Beef Producer Survey of Sustainability Practices 2026

Summary

The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework prioritises the reporting and tracking of industry performance in environmental resilience and best animal care. The quantification of on-farm practices and the measurement of changes over time can drive refinement and uptake of sustainable animal welfare initiatives; better inform investment and program design. Reporting national performance in animal health and welfare and environmental sustainability attracts investment in the sector; offers compelling evidence for successful market access negotiations; and signals trust-building transparency for customers and consumers.

Objectives

The primary objective of the project was to track key metrics and practices that underline the ABSF, and for the beef industry to help guide MLA investment and project planning, and provide transparency of production to consumer markets domestic and internationally. 

Kynetec Australia surveyed moer than 800 beef producers nationally via both online and Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) systems – a method where the interviewer follows a script provided by a software application, ensuring data is collected consistently. The survey covered topics agreed to by the ABSF Steering Group and MLA subject matter experts, covering a range of priorities within the ABSF.

Key findings

The research indicates that cattle producers are implementing a range of practices and behaviours that support the sustainability of the Australian beef industry. These include:

1.    Husbandry practices such as castration, dehorning, spaying, vaccination, and drenching;
2.    Management approaches and standards relating to animal welfare, land and water stewardship, and training; and
3.    Environmental initiatives, including the use of renewable energy, soil monitoring, waste management, carbon accounting, and emissions measurement and reduction.

Benefits to industry

This research benefits the industry by showing that cattle producers have adopted a broad range of sustainability practices, across animal husbandry, farm management, and environmental stewardship, though uptake varies among producers.

MLA action

The research will benefit the industry by helping MLA identify key sustainability priorities to inform future industry levy investments. Data gathered also allows us to promote beef's sustainability credentials to markets

Future research

Biennial surveys are required.