A blueprint to guide the growth and development of the South Australian beef industry by more than $200 million per year has been launched.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the blueprint aligns with the State Government’s focus to grow the economy through agriculture.
“The South Australian Beef Industry Blueprint targets increasing supply of stock bred here in South Australia by 60,000 per year increasing the total beef value chain revenue in the state by more than $200 million per year,” said Minister Whetstone.
“By supporting adoption of the blueprint, the Marshall Government is investing in the growth, innovation and development of the beef industry into the future.
“The beef industry makes an important contribution to the South Australian economy with farm gate production exceeding $600 million in 2016–17, and the gross revenue for South Australia’s beef industry exceeding $1.3 billion.
“With projections of a 25 per cent increase in red meat demand in the Asia Pacific region by 2030, there is enormous opportunity for the South Australian beef industry as a recognised supplier of safe and nutritious protein.”
Leading the establishment of the blueprint, Livestock SA President Joe Keynes said the blueprint outlines targets and actions to ensure the SA beef industry remains a major economic contributor to the state economy.
“Following the successful launch of the SA Sheep Industry Blueprint in 2016 and the clear direction that it provided the sector, we embarked on gathering key stakeholders in the beef industry to identify and work through the opportunities and challenges that lay before us,” said Mr Keynes.
“It was important for Livestock SA to initiate this process because, as the state’s advocacy group for cattle, sheep and goat producers, we want to deliver a clear and consistent voice on members’ behalf to the wider industry and be continually growing and improving what we do on-farm.”
The major opportunities for the South Australian beef industry outlined in the blueprint include:
- Consistent supply of highly credentialed premium product to high value markets
- Product differentiation based on product quality and integrity attributes
- Equipping producers with the knowledge and skills to cost effectively increase productivity and return on farm assets managed
- Capitalise on new data recording and technology platforms both on-farm and through the value chain for enhanced decision making and management
- Unlocking the increased production potential in key regions
- Expansion of finishing opportunities for stock bred in the pastoral zone