Thousands of Victorian livestock producers will be able to boost their performance, profits and market opportunities through a major new program being launched today.
The initiative, a $6m partnership between Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Agriculture Victoria, will help producers use on-farm data through proven tools to improve their decision making, with immediate results.
This includes using tools such as MyFeedback to better understand carcase performance against processor specifications, including MSA 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," Ms Strachan 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 1,600 producers, with a further 6,000 reached through broader adoption activities.
Launched at the BestWool Best Lamb and BetterBeef Conference in Ballarat and delivered through Agriculture Victoria's BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef networks, the jointly funded initiative through MLA Donor Company (MDC) will scale proven programs and tools through trusted producer networks across the state.
It 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.
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 Minister for Agriculture, Michaela Settle MP, said that this partnership will 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."
The program builds on initiatives that have already delivered strong adoption and results, with a focus on scaling what works to create statewide impact.
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.
