MLA to invest $10 million in carcass technology

carcasses-2Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) will invest up to $10 million to co-fund the installation of DEXA objective measurement systems in red meat processing plants following multiple requests to accelerate the adoption of the technology.

Under the project, MLA will work with willing partners to develop a single scientific measurement of lean meat yield – and systems to collect and use data across supply chains for future research and development in genetics, animal health and husbandry, processing automation and other productivity improvements on and off farm

MLA Managing Director Richard Norton said the DEXA installations would be funded via matching contributions from participating processors and MLA Donor Company (MDC).

Mr Norton said MLA had already received project submissions from Gundagai Meat Processors, Frewstal Pty Ltd, Wagstaff Cranbourne Pty Ltd and Teys Australia, but also invited expressions of interest from other beef and sheepmeat processors.

“This project is an important part of MLA’s investment in the research and development of objective measurement systems that our red meat and livestock industry can use to make precise assessments and better commercial decisions,” Mr Norton said.

“It will enable supply chains and the businesses within them to drive new efficiencies, generate more value and better meet market demands, which ultimately improves our industry’s international competitiveness.”

Mr Norton said MLA was still working with the industry’s peak councils on its proposal to install stage one of the DEXA technology into all those AUS-MEAT registered slaughter facilities in Australia who wanted it.

“This $10 million project that we’ve announced today is funded through the MDC and simply allows MLA and those companies who want to get on with implementing DEXA to do so,” Mr Norton said.