Australia-Major Beef Forum next week.

AUSTRALIA-BEEF FORUM ON APRIL 2 nd.

The benefits of a national meat-grading system which ensures consumers receive a consistent eating-quality product in terms of tenderness, juiciness and marbling will be outlined at a beef producer forum in Roma on Thursday, April 2.

With AgForce continuing to push for greater uptake of Meat Standards Australia by industry to ensure a more consistent and desirable product is available to local and international consumers, the meat-grading day is being supported as a valuable opportunity for southern inland Queensland producers.

With price premiums beginning to lift after a slower start to the year, the forum comes at an ideal time for producers interested in increasing their income from beef production.

One of the state’s biggest meat processors Teys Bros and leading beef producer Ian McCamley from Comet in central Queensland will outline the processor and producer perspectives on MSA grading.

Meat & Livestock Australia and AgForce are co-hosting the MSA producer forum, which will be held on Matt and Anna Ahern’s property, Bulala, at Roma on April 2 with registration from 9.30am.

The day includes an overview of MSA, focusing on producer requirements, accreditation and the basics of the program. It is an opportunity for beef producers interested in improving their bottom line and management expertise to learn techniques from other producers who have years of experience in delivering MSA cattle.

Mr McCamley will share his experiences, including pitfalls to be avoided and opportunities on which to focus. Geoff Teys from Teys Bros will give the processor perspective including commercially relevant information about the market and supply opportunities and specifications.

AgForce Cattle acting president Grant Maudsley will be on hand to provide an update on cattle issues which include the MLA marketing levy review, new marketing opportunities for beef, biosecurity and research investment. For those producers already involved in MSA, the event is an opportunity to have input and discuss any concerns with the program and its use.

Producers will also have an opportunity to inspect local cattle on the Aherns’ property.

* Registration by 31 March is essential with the contact being Marie-Louise Thorne on phone 0428 720 651 or 07 4622 2578 or by email to thornem@agforceqld.org.au