SUPPLY CHAIN Automated beef boning: the next frontier Australian beef through precise cutting Nuctech and 4DDI will plant, and conduct economic processing is automation resulting in a provide the advanced 2D, cost–benefit analyses. moving to the 1% gain is worth as much as 3D and 4D sub-surface “To engage global next stage of a 12.5% reduction in wage sensing for automation to companies, they have to efficiency and global expenses,” Sean said. become a reality. see an opportunity in global competitiveness through Measurable producer According to Value Chain markets, but our objective is the development of benefits Technology Program to be there first.” automated beef boning. Manager, Chris Ruberg, MLA Value Chain Technology Investment Sean Starling, MLA’s Program Manager, Darryl MLA’s role will be to facilitate contact between the MLA anticipates a General Manager for MDC, Heidke, said the economic $60–$70 million investment Research, Development benefits of automation are processors and technology over 7–10 years, with and Innovation, said the expected to flow through the providers, and use MLA an indicative benefit of program was building on supply chain and back to the Donor Company (MDC) $20–$50/head value-add, the successes of the lamb farm gate. non-levy investment to depending on the type of automation program, run support projects. cattle processed. by MLA, global technology “The benefit for Australian producers in similar “Initially we will access MLA is negotiating with provider Scott Technology MDC funds to match the and processors. whole-of-value chain numerous Australian programs, such as Meat contributions of technology processors to support “We’ve used this experience Standards Australia (MSA), providers in expertise and this 10-year vision of with lamb processing to has been shown in the time,” Chris said. beef boning automation develop a similar vision for financial pass-back of “As the technologies development rooms. beef automation that can premiums from consumer progress, we can start be applied internationally,” to producer,” Darryl said. matching MDC funds with Darryl Heidke Sean said. Plant Initiated Project levies T: 07 3620 5214 “Various MSA studies have E: dheidke@mla.com.au “This vision includes a set shown that the lion’s share offrom processing plants. of automation innovations the 32c/kg premium is returned Christian Ruberg suitable for small, medium “The MDC funds will be used T: 02 9463 9142 to Australian producers. to help develop concepts and and large-throughput E: cruberg@mla.com.au processors. “Producers receive 44%, prototypes and prove them in processors 37% and retailers “Processing modules will 10% of these premiums. perform operations such as carcase breakdown, “It is expected the new beef primal cut deboning, trim automation program will to specification, grading provide similar weighted and traceability.” benefits to all participants The gains will support the of the red meat value chain.” Australian red meat industry Advisory group to remain competitive MLA is convening a beef against overseas competition boning automation industry and meet expectations of advisory group to direct the the Meat Industry Strategic program, and is engaging with Plan 2020. numerous global technology Compared with competitors providers to tackle this New Zealand, the US, world-first challenge. Brazil and Asia, Australia’s The group currently includes comparative operating costs about 40 processor are 1.5, 2.4, 3 and 20 times representatives and seven as high, respectively. global solution providers. “With Australia’s labour costs Frontmatec, Mayekawa, typically at 6% and livestock Marel and Scott Technology costs at 78% of the cost of are the automation processing, improvement specialists, while Rapiscan, 43