Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) is encouraging red meat producers to register for a MeatUp Forum that will focus on markets and eating quality in Naracoorte early next year.

MLA Group Manager of Adoption and Commercialisation Sarah Strachan said the February 3 Naracoorte MeatUp program would have a whole of value chain focus.

“The Naracoorte MeatUp Forum will address production systems to improve productivity and profitability, using data for making on farm decisions and understanding the outcome on carcass quality, eating quality and market requirements,” she said.

Her overview of the red meat market will be well complemented by insights on market risks and opportunities from Matt Dalgleish of Thomas Elder Marketing.

John Francis, Agrista, will provide insights into on farm production systems.

He will explore key drivers of profitability, including the relationship between feed supply and peak demand and will also share insights into the psychology behind decision making processes.

A virtual farm tour video will take MeatUp attendees to South Killanoola, featuring interviews with farm manager Dean Eastwood and owners Robert and Digby Seymour, to see their farm and what makes it a success.

“With the region kicking off bull sales in the new year, we have timely updates from Hamish Chandler (MLA) on selecting sires for beef businesses, while Gus Rose from Sheep Genetics will talk on new traits available for ram buyers,” MeatUp Forum Event Coordinator Caroline McGrath from Pinion Advisory said.

Peter McGilchrist from the University of New England will tell producers what they need to know about beef and lamb eating quality.

He will be joined in a panel session by representatives from Thomas Foods International and JBS.

Pre-registration is essential, visit www.mla.com.au/meatup MLA Members $25, Non-member $50 (includes researchers, Department staff, service providers and producers who are non-MLA members).

The MeatUp Forum at Naracoorte follows the Best Practice Demonstration Farm Field Day at Struan on 2 February 2022.

“We encourage producers to travel to the South East to take up the opportunity of attending both events, plus ‘MeatUp for dinner’ with fellow producers and industry representatives at Struan House.

“Over dinner producers will enjoy a cooking demonstration from MLA Product Development Executive and Culinary Chef, Julie Ballard,” Ms McGrath said.