Thomas Foods International won both the grainfed and grassfed MSA supplier categories in South Australia. Pictured collecting their awards are TFI staff, from left, Moses Mpandamabula, Kelli Nankivell, Kassidy Coulthard and Southern Cross feedlot general manager James Sage. More winners phots at bottom of page.
CLOSE attention to detail in areas like nutrition, animal temperament, pasture management and backgrounding were some of the key drivers among the high achievers in the 2025 MSA Excellence in Eating Quality Award winners announced in Adelaide last night.
The awards recognised producers who have consistently achieved exceptional results under the MSA grading system over the past 12 months.
Low stress stock handling techniques, pen shade (in the case of grainfed division winners) and pasture diversity were other management features delivering superior MSA outcomes cited by the award winners.
Five state winners in grainfed and non-grainfed MSA supply categories were acknowledged for their consistency in hitting carcase compliance and MSA minimum standards, with MSA Eating Quality Index results used as one of the key tools to define the winners.
Despite tough growing conditions in some southern cattle regions this year, winning compliance rates ranged from 96-100pc of cattle submitted for grading, with average MSA Indexes for winners as high as a phenomenal 67.24.
The MSA supplier awards – the fifth in a series held every two years – were hosted by Meat & Livestock Australia as part of the lead-up to tomorrow’s MLA annual general meeting and 2025 Updates conference program being held in Adelaide tomorrow.
The event brought together leading producers, lotfeeders (memo MLA/MSA comms team: there is no such thing as a feedlotter – feeding is the verb, or ‘doing’ word – hence the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association), processors and industry stakeholders to celebrate outstanding achievements in delivering premium eating quality beef to Australian consumers and global markets.
A panel session involving Teys Australia’s Ethan Mooney, Thomas Foods International’s Kevin Himmelberg, and veteran agent, RMA Network CEO and Beef Central columnist Chris Howie and facilitator Penny Schultz explored a range of topics surrounding MSA, with the power of data and feedback, and the adoption of new technologies being a central theme. More on that in a story to come later.
Meat Standards Australia program manager David Packer said the awards highlighted the dedication and innovation of producers who strive for excellence in eating quality.
“These winners represent the best of the best in our industry,” Dr Packer said. “Achieving consistently high MSA Index scores and compliance requires a deep understanding of genetics, nutrition, and animal welfare.”
“It’s not just about meeting standards; it’s about exceeding them to deliver an exceptional eating experience every time. The winners’ commitment ensures consumers can trust the quality of beef on their plate.”
The MSA Eating Quality Awards were presented in three categories, based on turnoff over the previous two years:
- Most Outstanding MSA Feedlot – for feedlot operators delivering superior eating quality outcomes across their consigned cattle.
- Most Outstanding MSA Non-Feedlot Band 1 – for grassfed and grain-assist producers not aligned with NFAS programs with annual consignments of 500 head or more.
- Most Outstanding MSA Non-Feedlot Band 2 – for grassfed and grain-assist producers with annual consignments 100-500 head.
2025 MSA Eating Quality Award Winners
Set out below are the 2025 MSA Eating Quality Award Winners
Most Outstanding MSA Feedlot:
- NSW: Bunnaloo Pastoral Co
- QLD: Canning Downs South Trust Pty Ltd – Chris Shaw, Warwick QLD
- VIC: Alloa Pastoral
- SA: Thomas Foods International Southern Cross Feedlot, Tintinara
- WA: Stone Axe Pastoral Company
Most Outstanding MSA Non-Feedlot Band 1 (larger turnoff):
- NSW: Ardsley Pastoral
- QLD: Hughes & Sons Pty Ltd
- VIC: Woorabinda Farms
- TAS: Ross & Mary Mace – Lawrenny Estate
- SA: Thomas Foods International
- WA: BL & SJ Nairn
Most Outstanding MSA Non-Feedlot Band 2 (smaller turnoff):
- NSW: Barry Trethowan
- QLD: G & M Gray Family Trust
- VIC: GR Walsh
- TAS: PN & DA Bonney
- SA: Bralyn Nominees Pty Ltd
- WA: Mirreanda Pty Ltd
Among the standout winners this year was Thomas Foods International, which claimed both Most Outstanding MSA Feedlot and Most Outstanding MSA Non-Feedlot (larger suppliers) awards in South Australia.
TFI chief operating officer Tom Davies said the awards were a recognition of the company’s drive to continuously improve the performance of its cattle and eating quality.
“It’s a great honour to receive these awards. They are a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest eating quality for consumers and to the dedication of our entire team,” Mr Davies said.
“Working closely with MLA and embracing MSA has been central to our success, and we’re proud to be recognised alongside such exceptional producers from right around the country,” he said in a statement.
Western Australian winners with MSA manager David Packer (left) were Stone Axe Pastoral Co’s Scott Nuhn and Casper Fouche, with grassfed category winners Katie Murphy and partner Tyler Dargie.
Queensland grainfed winners Chris and Susan Shaw, Canning Downs South feedlot, Warwick and grassfed winners Glen and Maree Gray, Copndamine, with MSA’s David Packer, left
Victorian grainfed winners Ian Dickson and Renee Bergamin, Alloa feedlot, Milawa, and grassfed winners Lynn and Greg Walsh, Yinnar, Gippsland, with MSA’s David Packer
Tasmanian grassfed MSA category winners Ross and Mary Mace, from Ouse, with MSA’s David Packer