Animal health and welfare
R&D is critical for both on-farm productivity and meeting community animal welfare expectations.
Research & Development
Search MLA's R&D Reports
MLA invests in both on-farm and off-farm research and development projects with a wide range of project partners, including producer groups, peak industry councils, the CSIRO, leading Australian universities and international research centres.
The R&D program is largely funded by producer levies, with matched funding from the Federal Government. Levies are also collected by the processing, lotfeeding and live export sectors, for investment in projects that support the red meat supply chain beyond the farm gate. Non-levy R&D funding is provided by industry partners through the MLA Donor Company.
In 2018–19 MLA invested $170.3 million in a range of research, development and adoption programs. This included $94.2 million invested through MLA Donor Company (MDC).
Program Areas
Grazing land management
New plant breeding technologies are being used to boost on-farm productivity.
Genetics and genomics
Genetics R&D is producing significant economic benefits for seedstock and meat producers.
Feedlot management
Investment has produced a suite of tools to help producers meet market specifications.
Environmental sustainability
R&D is aimed at increasing on-farm productivity and long-term sustainability.
Livestock production
Animal production R&D aims to increase on-farm productivity and profitability.
Food safety & traceability
R&D supports market access by enhancing product integrity and traceability.
Product innovation
Create innovative red meat products that satisfy consumer demand in domestic and international markets.
Biosecurity
Aims to improve the health and welfare of livestock and the productivity and integrity of the Australian red meat industry.
Digital agriculture
MLA invests in digital agriculture R&D, focusing on whole-farm digital infrastructure technologies.
