The 2023 Australian Beef Eating Quality Insights (ABEQI) report indicates that the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) program has generated $463 million in farm gate returns for producers over the past two years.
The ABEQI report was created by analysing MSA-graded cattle in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 financial years, using data from MSA-accredited graders, the National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS), and additional information on animal disease and defects.
Meat & Livestock Australia MSA Program Manager Dr David Packer said the ABEQI report consolidates various data sources to analyse trends and outcomes from the MSA program, categorised by state and various factors.
“The report shows the amazing trend of continual improvement within the industry and it sets out all the data to help us continue to build on these achievements,” Dr Packer stated.
“The premiums for MSA compliant cattle, combined with the growing numbers of cattle being MSA graded with higher carcase weights, have generated farm gate returns of $463 million since 2021.”
MSA beef producers have experienced significant farm gate returns in the past two years due to financial incentives offered by processors and brand owners.
According to Dr Packer, between 2021-2023, non-grainfed cattle meeting MSA and company requirements could potentially receive an additional $0.36/kg OTH, with the average cattle consigned for MSA grading weighing 306kg, potentially equating to an additional $110 per head.
“Likewise, the premium for grainfed cattle that met MSA and company requirements was an additional $0.15/kg compared with non-MSA grainfed cattle. In addition, grainfed cattle consigned to MSA grade weighed 347kg which potentially led to an additional $51/head,” he added.
Meat Standards Australia (MSA) is an Australian system developed by the red meat industry to enhance the quality of beef and sheepmeat, based on 1.7 million taste tests conducted by over 250,000 consumers from 13 countries, considering all factors affecting eating quality.
