Industry demand: Why multibreed evaluations are a priority

The identification of ‘Establishing multibreed genetic evaluation and livestock credentials’ as a bold ambition in the MLA Strategic Plan 2030 is not a new or isolated initiative. It’s the result of sustained, industry-driven demand for improved tools to support across-breed genetic selection and decision-making in beef breeding programs.

Multibreed: A long-term industry priority

Multibreed genetic evaluation has been recognised as an industry priority since the 1990s and has been repeatedly highlighted through a range of genetics consultation processes, surveys and strategic reviews.

Approximately $40 million of R&D investments since 2016, including the Repronomics program and the Southern Multibreed Beef project, have now collected sufficient data to underpin the design and delivery of commercial, multibreed beef genetic evaluations.

Consultation informing MLA’s Strategic Plan 2030

The development of MLA’s Strategic Plan 2030 was underpinned by a comprehensive, industry-wide consultation process designed to ensure that investment priorities reflect the needs of levy payers and the broader red meat supply chain.

Over a period of approximately 12 months, MLA facilitated more than 20 face-to-face consultation sessions across Australia, engaging producers, peak industry bodies, broader industry groups (including NLGC, NABRC, SALRC, WALRC) and MLA staff. These sessions were complemented by an industry-wide online survey, which attracted more than 1,000 responses and provided additional input on key priorities, risks and opportunities.

Targeted consultation with peak industry bodies, including Cattle Australia, Sheep Producers Australia, the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association and the Goat Industry Council of Australia, was also a critical component of the process, ensuring alignment with representative industry views and strategic direction.

National Livestock Genetics Consortium

The National Livestock Genetics Consortium (NLGC) provides a formal and ongoing industry consultation mechanism to guide MLA’s investment in livestock genetics.

The NLGC is governed by a skills-based taskforce with an independent Chair and the following representation: