SA's red meat producers are being encouraged to register for Meat & Livestock Australia's rescheduled MeatUp Forum in Naracoorte on Tuesday, June 28.
The forum- which was originally planned for late January but was cancelled due to COVID concerns- will focus on markets, improving productivity and profitability, using data and technologies to enhance decisions, including meat eating quality and genetics.
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MLA group manager of adoption and commercialisation Sarah Strachan said the 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 carcase quality, eating quality and market requirements," Ms Strachan said
"MLA has taken the fundamental principles of some of its most popular producer extension programs to create the all-encompassing MeatUp Forums.
"MeatUp Forums are designed to demonstrate the value of implementing new practices or technology on-farm. They will link with other MLA activities, programs, and projects that producers can get involved in to enable them to further build knowledge and skills."
The program includes insights on market risks and opportunities from Matt Dalgleish of Thomas Elder Marketing and Agrista's John Francis will exploring the key drivers of on-farm profitability, including the relationship between feed supply and peak demand. He will also share insights into the psychology behind decision making processes.
A virtual farm tour video will take MeatUp attendees on a tour of South Killanoola, at Bool Lagoon without leaving their seat in the hall.
Producers will hear about the South Killanoola sheep, beef and cropping enterprises, and key drivers of productivity within their business from interviews from farm manager Dean Eastwood and owners Robert and Digby Seymour.
Later in the day attendees will have a choice of concurrent sessions to tailor their afternoon to their business and interests.
MLA program manager of objective measurement Richard Apps will share the latest carcase feedback available to beef and prime lamb producers; and explore where MLA aims for producer feedback to be in two years' time.
MLA senior development officer of Sheep Genetics Emma McCrabb will talk on the new traits available for ram buyers, a timely presentation to prepare sheep producers for ram sales later in the year.
A panel session facilitated by Sarah Strachan with representatives from processors,Thomas Foods International JBS and Teys, along with meat scientist, Peter McGilchrist from the University of New England will conclude the formal program.
Then the day concludes with networking, canapes and drinks, including a cooking demonstration from culinary chef Julie Ballard, showcasing red meat.
- Pre-registration is essential either by www.mla.com.au/meatup or Pinion Advisory on 1300 746 466. Tickets are $25 for MLA members and $50 for non-members.
