Information flow the key

For beef producer David Bignell, the flow of information and data from processor to producer has been invaluable in helping him make informed management decisions on-farm.

Gloucester-based David has been supplying cattle to Wingham Beef Exports for more than 20 years.

In this time, the flow of data and information from processor to producer has evolved significantly.

Both parties have adopted MLA’s Livestock Data Link (LDL) system, an online portal that enables the flow of carcase information across the supply chain. The information allows producers to review individual carcase performance and assess it against market compliance specifications.

“We run a breeding and finishing set-up across two properties with a self-replacing herd of 300 breeders,” David said.

“We target the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) antibiotic-free market, so it’s important that all our management decisions reflect the specifications of that market.

"The LDL system helps us to evaluate our performance and reduce the risk of non-compliance.”

The value in genetics

David uses LDL to measure the impact of genetic selection, and has been able to trace changes in carcase quality through the data supplied by Wingham Beef Exports.

“Through LDL, we’ve really been able to focus on improving the genetics of our herd, mainly though bull purchasing,” David said.

“By using functions such as the benchmarking feature, we can see how our carcase performance compares against the regional, state and national average.

“The data provided by Wingham Beef Exports is valuable proof for us that our genetic decisions, in combination with our other management decisions, are paying off.”

In the case of non-compliance, the LDL system gives producers access to supporting material to better understand what on-farm management practices could improve the performance of future consignments.

“Back in the day, we just had kill sheets that were kept in a folder, so to have a system like LDL is really significant for the industry,” David said.

“Carcase information, reporting tools and helpful resources are all available in the one place.”

Benefits from both sides

Wingham Beef Exports was one of the first abattoirs to make LDL data available to suppliers, and is proving that it’s not only producers benefiting from the platform.

General Manager for Wingham Beef Exports, Grant Coleman, said LDL has helped their business provide product that consistently meets the market and consumer specifications.

“We see a lot of benefit in giving feedback to producers in a form that they can understand and use on-farm,” Grant said.

“LDL is the platform that allows us to do just that, and it’s imperative that producers receive this feedback because when we buy cattle, they need to hit specific market specifications.”

Within the LDL system, processors are able to compare and benchmark supplier performance across a range of traits that reflect certain market specifications.

“We can see that the positive benefits of this feedback mechanism flow into our premium products,” Grant said.

“We’re filling consignments with reduced losses due to non-compliance, which is a good outcome from a business perspective.”

Join LDL today

Producers can access the Livestock Data Link system through their National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) user ID and password.