ON-FARM farm performance and profitability is the focus of new $6 million partnership between Meat & Livestock Australia and Agriculture Victoria.

The initiative to help producers use on-farm data through proven tools to improve their decision making was launched at the BestWool BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences in Ballarat yesterday and Tuesday.

It will involve producers using new tools such as MyFeedback (soon to replace MyMSA – more details in a separate story later this week) to better understand carcase performance against processor specifications, including Meat Standards Australia outcomes, and using that information to improve market alignment and returns.

Producers will also be supported to benchmark key drivers of profitability, including pregnancy scanning results, marking and weaning rates, cost of production, return on assets managed and return on equity.

MLA general manager for research, development and adoption, Sarah Strachan, said the investment is about helping producers get more value from data they already collect.

“This is about giving producers practical tools and confidence to make better decisions that directly impact their bottom line,” she said.

“Whether it is improving lambing percentages, hitting processor specifications more consistently, or lifting pasture utilisation, this program is focused on outcomes producers can see in their own businesses.”

The program is expected to directly engage around 1600 producers, with a further 6000 reached through broader adoption activities.

It will be delivered through Agriculture Victoria’s BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef networks, and the jointly funded initiative through MLA Donor Company will scale proven programs and tools through trusted producer networks across the state.

MLA said the initiative will make it easier for producers to participate in small, peer-to-peer groups supported by experienced advisors. Through these groups, producers will apply proven practices such as genetic flock and herd profiling, linking carcase performance back to genetics, soil and pasture testing, and using stocking rate benchmarks to improve land productivity.

Animal health and resilience will also be a strong focus, with practical activities including worm egg counts, drench resistance testing, feed testing and nutrition planning to support performance in variable seasonal conditions, MLA said in a release.

Advisors, agents and service providers will be supported through targeted training, mentoring and professional development, helping ensure producers receive consistent, high-quality advice across Victoria.

The initiative will connect producers with a suite of MLA tools and programs, including More Beef from Pastures, LambPlan, Fit to Load and BredWell FedWell, helping drive greater adoption of proven practices that lift performance.

A tiered “measure to manage” approach will allow producers to start with simple baseline measures such as animal health and pasture performance, and progress to more advanced benchmarking including whole-farm financial performance and emissions tracking.

Victorian agriculture minister Michaela Settle said that this partnership would benefit regional communities throughout Victoria.

“Stronger sheep and beef businesses mean stronger regional communities, and this investment is giving farmers practical tools to improve productivity, strengthen resilience and build long-term profitability,” Ms Settle said.

“We’re backing Victorian farmers with practical support that strengthens farm businesses, builds capability and helps position them for long-term success.”

Ms Strachan said the partnership with Agriculture Victoria would deliver benefits beyond individual farm businesses.

“By helping producers better use data from paddock to processor, we can improve productivity, reduce risk and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the Victorian red meat industry,” she said.

Producers, advisors, agents and processors are encouraged to get involved, with more information available through BestWool/BestLamb, BetterBeef, Agriculture Victoria and local network teams.