Beef producers should consolidate on the industry’s current good profitability and aim to make their beef the “Rolls Royce” of the industry, a regional beef conference was told.
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Meat & Livestock Australia’s Damon Holmes told this month’s south-west BetterBeef conference in Hamilton that while Australia was one of the big four players in the beef export market, it still only accounted for three per cent of the world’s beef production.
“There are currently 25 million head in Australia, compared with 90 million in the US and 220 million head in Brazil – which is taking some of our share of the market in China,” Mr Holmes said.
There are currently 25 million head in Australia, compared with 90 million in the US and 220 million head in Brazil.
- Damon Holmes
“It’s why we need to concentrate on continuing to improve our brand as high-quality grass fed beef, so we’re the Rolls Royce of the beef industry,” he said.
More than 60 beef producers attended the BetterBeef conference in Hamilton to hear from industry experts about capitalising on good beef prices.
Dr Bill Malcolm from the University of Melbourne said although there were many forecasts out there about the international demand for beef, the reality was the future was still unknown.
“There’s a difference between the good decision and the right decision,” Dr Malcolm said.
He said producers needed to decide clearly what they want to achieve with the resources they control and then strive to make it a reality.
Meridian Agriculture founder Mike Stephens spoke about the importance of succession planning and strategies to put a plan in place.
“It’s important to build and maintain relationships within families and keep communication open and honest and about issues not people,” Mr Stephens said.
“The plan is only done when everyone knows what’s in it and has signed documents signifying they are in agreement,” he said.
Agriculture Victoria BetterBeef acting project leader Bindi Hunter said it was great to see the event back in south-west, where beef producers could get tips on how to develop their business on the back of strong beef prices.
Ms Hunter said the conference showcased a variety of speakers tackling very topical issues for beef producers and its success was a credit to the organising committee.
The event was organised by Agriculture Victoria and supported by Rabobank, Meat & Livestock Australia, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, National Landcare Program and Meridian Agriculture.
