V.LDL.2303 - Final Project Summary
The project identified that industry investment in data standards and frameworks and next generation reporting through myFeedback are areas where significant benefits can be obtained in the complex red meat data ecosystem.
| Project start date: | 29 March 2023 |
| Project end date: | 29 July 2024 |
| Publication date: | 06 August 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
Summary
This proposed discovery will include exploration into simplifying and streamlining data uploads for processors, an understanding of all industry program standards and requirements, data sources, and internal and external linkages as well as identify recommendations on the options and implications associated with bringing all of MLA’s current and future feedback services together in one single platform.
Objectives
The project objectives were to provide an understanding of the following key areas and recommendations in relation to:
• A comprehensive technical and functional review of red meat industry data systems, data collection, ingestion, dissemination and existing and/or emerging linkages between datasets and opportunities for improvement.
• Engagement with processors/brand owners/operators/feedlots to understand needs and potential barriers and deliver a gap analysis of what components from current data, feedback systems and data infrastructure could be a part of an improved solution.
• Provide a detailed understanding of operational and cost implications of adoption of new data standards for feedback systems.
• Provide recommendations on Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) role in a potential future single data platform for all carcases and live animal traits.
Key findings
The red meat data ecosystem is complex and complicated, with multiple interactions and intersections between data types and actors. Supply chain data was categorised into commercial data, Source of Truth Registries, and third-party transformed data and a conceptual model was developed to enable more effective consultation. A key outcome of the project was the identification, description of and provision of examples of the five pillars of red meat ecosystem. The project also identified eight groups that consume supply chain data, including but not limited to, large agriculture companies, brand owners, and software providers.
Of the 40 companies selected to be subject matter experts for this project, 26 representatives were interviewed using a semi-formal questionnaire that included both qualitative and quantitative components. The industry feedback and insights obtained from these interviews highlight the importance of data standardisation, system interoperability, and industry collaboration in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of red meat supply chain data systems and feedback mechanisms. Key insights from the project included; 1) the volume of data transacted, 2) the limited understanding of the red meat data ecosystem and the pillars that underpin the system, 3) the commercial sensitivity of information and data, 4) the need for integrity and access to publicly available source of truth registries, 5) the lack of support for a centralised data service, and 6) an estimated IT expenditure in the red meat ecosystem of between $500 million and $1 billion annually, which shows how much industry values the red meat ecosystem.
The project identified that industry investment in standards and frameworks, as well as next generation reporting through myFeedback are areas where stakeholders believe that there are significant benefits can be obtained. Additionally, the interviews revealed that there are multiple definitions and value propositions for data feedback
Benefits to industry
The project identified that industry investment in standards and frameworks, as well as next generation reporting through myFeedback are areas where stakeholders believe that there are significant benefits to be obtained from industry investment.
The key areas for MLA and industry investment include; 1) developing standards with significant industry collaboration, 2) assisting with data standardisation and technology adoption, education and awareness around the pillar standards, 3) providing next generation reports and tools for animal health, welfare and sustainability reporting, and 4) collaborating with commercial third parties to transfer these concepts into commercial services. By addressing these areas, MLA could drive the development and adoption of robust data standards and reporting frameworks that will benefit the entire red meat industry.
MLA action
The following recommendations have been made to MLA:
• Develop a communications package for standards and operating principles for the 5 Pillars of the red meat ecosystem.
• Underpin standards & frameworks to ensure data accuracy, with source of truth registries paramount to ensuring support for industry investment.
• Reposition ‘myFeedback’ as a Demonstration tool & continue enabling industry to develop their own commercial solutions. This may include redefining KPIs and measures of impact.
• Use ‘myFeedback’ as an industry resource for monitoring and providing industry intelligence to guide investment in research and development (R&D). This should include looking for synergies with the National Livestock Reporting Services (NLRS) to exact more value from the crossover between these systems and using data is accessible via public data services for company benchmarking systems.
• Develop a scenario map for Animal Health, Welfare & Sustainability (identify industry’s future needs for metrics and reporting)
Future research
The following recommendations have been made to MLA:
• Develop a communications package for standards and operating principles for the 5 Pillars of the red meat ecosystem.
• Underpin standards and frameworks to ensure data accuracy, with source of truth registries paramount to ensuring support for industry investment.
• Reposition ‘myFeedback’ as a demonstration tool and continue enabling industry to develop their own commercial solutions. This may include redefining KPIs and measures of impact.
• Use ‘myFeedback’ as an industry resource for monitoring and providing industry intelligence to guide investment in research and development (R&D). This should include looking for synergies with the National Livestock Reporting Services (NLRS) to exact more value from the crossover between these systems and using data is accessible via public data services for company benchmarking systems.
• Develop a scenario map for animal health, welfare and sustainability (identify industry’s future needs for metrics and reporting).
More information
| Project manager: | Jessira Saunders |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Meehan AgriBusiness Solutions |
