ON FARM SOUTHERN CATTLE COMPLIANCEp Meet the best of the best Beef producers from across Australia were recently honoured at the 2019 Meat Standards Australia (MSA) Excellence in Eating Quality Awards. Hosted by MLA, the awards recognise producers who have achieved outstanding compliance rates and eating quality performance, as represented by MSA Index results for MSA‑graded cattle during 2017–18 and 2018–19. Here, we take a look at how two of the award winners are producing MSA‑compliant cattle. Low‑stress handling key to win F or Victorian beef “Low‑stress stock handling“Producing a quality animal SNAPSHOT: producer Richard is important to me. I’mthat meets compliance Richard Nesseler, Nesseler, the key generally the only one whodoes revolve around certain to producing the best works the cattle, quietlygenetics and breeds.” Port Campbell, Victoria eating quality beef lies in motorbiby myself,kes,” Richawithout drd said.ogs orNutrition also plays a part in l the low‑stress handing turning off high‑quality beef ofhis cattle. “Keeping the herd togetherfor the pasture‑fed program as a consignment lot atrun by JBS. But handling is just one ofleast a month before they’re the factors Richard (pictured)sent to the abattoirs is also“It’s about matching the head considers in his commitmentimportant, so they all knowcount to the pasture we have to the Meat Standards each other and there’s noavailable, depending on Australia (MSA) program,fighting among the mob.”the season.” introduced to his Port Richard uses rotational Area: Campbellgrazing businessRichard said while stress hasgrazing to get optimum150ha (two properties) threeyears ago when he a big influence on beef eatinggrowth out of the pastures startedsupplyginto the uality, it’s just one part ofqJBSand maintains soil fertility Enterprise: FarmAssurance Program the story that contributeswith fertiliser applications Beef . to producing a high‑quality,throughout the year and Richard won the 2019 natural, grassfed beef product. Livestock: MSA Excellence in Eating weed management. 200 Angus steers QualityMost Outstanding“For a finishing business, it’sRichard said MSA is a great BeefProducer Award critical to start with the rightreference tool and he Pasture: forVictoriafor Band 2 animal,” he said. advises other producers toPerennial ryegrass/ producers (producers “I deal directly with “get on board”. clover mix consigning smaller volumes). Heis well worth the effort.achieved 97.8% MSAproducers with “MSA Soil: complianceand an averagestrong breeding The rewards are there Variable, ranging from MSAIndex of 64.12. financially and there are lotslight sand with underlying programs, so I know of incentives by abattoirsheavy clay Richard is also a helicopterI’m going to turn off ato meet compliance. You’re pilot along the Great Ocean getting more money in your Rainfall: Road, but when it comes guaranteed product back pocket at the end of 900mm to his livestock he takesat the end of the day.”the day,” Richard said. ■ a slower approach and Richard Nesseler enjoyspurchases purebredHespendingtime in E: rich@glenample. thebetween ninechecking onpaddock, eAngus cattl com.au thecattle and movingand 12 mthemonths old and grows gentlyaroundthe farm. them out until they’re finished. LESSONS LEARNED > Low‑stress stock handling affects eating quality. > Quality beef begins with quality genetics. 3300