Expression of Interest - BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee 


Skills Based Committee Vacancy  

  • 1 x Beef Breed Association Representative,
  • 2 x Beef Producer and Industry Representatives   

Date: 15th July 2026 

MLA Program: Genetics Commercial Services  
 

1. Purpose  

Meat & Livestock Australia are seeking expressions of interest from 1 x beef breed association representative, and 2 x individual beef breeder and industry representatives to contribute to the direction of Australia’s national beef genetic evaluation systems through the BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee.  

2. Relevant and necessary background  

Together, University of New England (UNE), NSW Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) (all three organisations together known as the ‘Owners’) have had a long research partnership spanning over 35 years, which has developed the BREEDPLAN and OVIS analytical software responsible for the national genetic evaluation systems applied to cattle, goats and sheep.  

The Owners along with other industry partners continue to invest in R&D projects to enhance the genetic evaluation tools and systems used in the national beef and sheep genetic evaluations. The objective of this work is to provide the basis for faster rates of genetic improvement in beef and sheep.  

The Owners facilitate the following committees to provide guidance in relation to national beef genetic evaluation systems:  

  • A combined BREEDPLAN and Sheep Genetics Technical Committee to provide technical guidance regarding technical developments and modifications. 
  • A BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee to represent the views and requirements of users of national beef genetic evaluation systems, potential users and the wider beef industry. 

3. Terms of Reference  

The BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee is the forum for industry representatives to provide program oversight and feedback on major policy decisions to the Owners in relation to national beef genetic evaluation systems using BREEDPLAN analytical software.  

The Advisory Committee provides a critical role in communicating and representing the views and requirements of users of national beef genetic evaluation systems, potential users and the wider beef industry to the Owners. It also performs an important role in the prioritisation of further developments and modifications to the BREEDPLAN analytical software. 

The Advisory Committee consists of actively breeding beef producers and/or industry representatives from a diverse industry base as well as breed association representatives appointed on a skills basis. 

This EOI is seeking individuals to apply for several vacant positions on the Committee, including:  

  • 2 x beef breeder and industry representatives 
  • 1 x beef breed association representative   

The Advisory Committee activities include: 

  • Proactively communicate and represent the views and requirements of users of national beef genetic evaluation systems, potential users and the wider beef industry to the Owners; 
  • Review the annual operational performance of the national beef genetic evaluation systems; 
  • Provide guidance and representation of industry receptiveness to implementation of new methods and tools into the national beef genetic evaluation systems (i.e. new traits and software upgrades); 
  • Review and prioritise further developments and modifications to the BREEDPLAN analytical software. 

Meat & Livestock Australia is seeking an individual with the following essential experience & skills:  

  • Experience with and knowledge of breed association operations  
  • Involvement in the areas of breeding and marketing of seedstock as a producer or industry representative  
  • Knowledge and understanding of Australia’s national beef genetic evaluation systems and livestock breeding 
  • An understanding of the application of genetics in delivering genetic progress for industry benefit 
  • Strong business acumen and communication skills  

For further information on the role of Advisory Committee members please refer to the BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. 

Review Criteria 

Applicants are required to provide both an Application Form and a Resume.  

The application form is required to be a summary outlining your skills, knowledge and experience, and your motivations for taking on this role.  

The following selection criteria will need to be addressed in the application form:  

  • How do your skills and qualities from previous experience relate to the role of a breeder/industry representative on the BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee? 
  • What is your previous experience in contribution to a committee or board?   

Application - Producer Industry Representative

Application - Breed Association Representative

Submissions

Applicants should submit their application and resume to Andrew Byrne (livestockgenetics@mla.com.au) by close of business on the 31st August 2026.