IN BRIEF MSA delivers record farm gate returns Australia’s eating quality one of only three programs outside the for cattle and 96% for lambs,” Sarah said. grading program, Meat United States to be approved by the US “With increases in the volume and Standards Australia (MSA), Department of Agriculture as a Process variation of cattle being presented for delivered an additional $198 Verified Program. MSA grading, producers across the million to producers – a direct Insights country achieved a national average in‑the‑pocket benefit averaging Other MSA insights from 2018–19 are: MSA Index of 57.48.” $84/head for non‑feedlot cattle – • growth in MSA beef and sheep brands The Eating Quality Graded (EQG) cipher, in 2018–19. continues, with an additional 23 released in 2017 as part of the Beef This figure, in the form of price new brands licensed, lifting the total Language Review, has continued to differential for MSA versus non‑MSA number of MSA‑licensed brands to 195 have strong adoption. young cattle, represents a 30% increase • more than 3,400 beef and sheep MSA‑licensed processors and operators on the $152 million in additional farm producers became MSA registered now using the EQG cipher within parts gate returns MSA delivered in 2017–18. • more than 3,000 beef and sheep of their business represented 48% of The MSA Annual Outcomes Report producers attended 47 MSA MSA graded cattle at June 2019. ■ also highlighted a record‑breaking education days 3.5 million cattle were MSA graded in • 2,800 people undertook training via Sarah Strachan 2018–19, the highest number of cattle the MSA e‑learning portals E: sstrachan@mla.com.au graded in a year since MSA’s inception • the myMSA online feedback portal View the 2018–19 MSA Annual in 1998. This represents 43% of the was utilised by 4,300 producers, Outcomes Report: national adult cattle slaughter. 16,140 times. mla.com.au/msa-annual-report In 2018–19, 4.1 million sheep followed “This commitment to education is Meet some of the MSA Excellence MSA pathways, representing 19% reflected in outstanding compliance to in Eating Quality Award winners of the national lamb slaughter, with MSA minimum requirements at 93.8% on pages 30–31 73.5% of these going on into 18 MSA‑trademarked brands. MSA Program Manager Sarah Strachan What percentage of each state’s slaughter is MSA? said the latest data demonstrated the value MSA continues to deliver Western Australia: Queensland/ to producers and Australia’s red 49% MSA cattle Northern Territory: meat industry. 29% MSA sheep 44% MSA cattle “In 2018–19, the average price premium for young non-feedlot MSA cattle was 30¢/kg hot standard carcase weight or $84/head, according to the NLRS over-the-hook weekly reports,” Sarah said. “In addition to delivering price premiums South Australia: for producers, the MSA program 82% MSA cattle New South Wales: ultimately delivers a consistent eating 42% MSA sheep 54% MSA cattle quality experience for consumers in Victoria: 4% MSA sheep Australia and in our export markets.” 17% MSA cattle Tasmania: MSA is recognised by the United Nations 18% MSA sheep 68% MSA cattle Economic Commission for Europe as a 2% MSA sheep global standard in eating quality and is 8