IN BRIEF MSA keeps delivering high farm gate returns Australia’s globally recognised eating quality Tips for MSA grading program Meat compliance Standards Australia (MSA) delivered an estimated $172 SA and WA beef producers million in additional farm gate targeting MSA are heading into returns to beef producers what is historically the most in 2019–20. challenging time of the year for MSA compliance. The latest MSA Annual Outcomes report, released in August, shows a According to the 2019Australian record 3.8 million cattle were MSA Beef Eating Quality Insights report, graded in 2019–20, an 8% increase average MSA non‑compliance for in the number of cattle compared SA producers throughout 2017–19 to 2018–19, representing 46% of the was 7%, peaking in December national adult cattle slaughter. 2017 at 12% as a result of high pH, which is meat pH greater In 2019–20, 4.3 million sheep followed than 5.70. For WA producers in MSA pathways, a 5% increase from the same period, average MSA 2018–19, with 64% of these going non‑compliance was 4.5% and into MSA trademarked brands. It’s record 58.03, an increase of 0.55 index also peaked in December 2017 at estimated 57% of the national lamb points on the previous year,” she said. 9% as a result of high pH. slaughter was processed through MSA licensed processors. “The MSA Index is a single number To address issues of and standard national measure of the non‑compliance to pH, producers MLA’s Group Manager for Adoption predicted eating quality of a carcase. need to maximise the amount of and Commercialisation, Sarah Strachan It provides meaningful producer glycogen at the point of slaughter (pictured), said the program’s latest datafeedback to benchmark performance by optimising nutrition and demonstrated the value MSA continues and reflects the impact of on‑farm minimising stress. to deliver to producers and Australia’s actions on eating quality. red meat industry. On‑farm strategies to achieve “The benefits of the MSA this include: “In 2019–20, the average price • ensure cattle are achieving differential for young non‑feedlot MSA program continue to attract growth rates of at least 0.9kg/day cattle was 27 cents per kilogram hot producers, with 2,900 beef standard carcase weight, compared • provide a high‑energy ration for to the same non‑MSA graded cattle,” and sheepmeat producers at least 30 days before slaughter Sarah said. becoming MSA registered • muster and handle stock “Non‑feedlot cattle represented 38% in 2019–20.” as quietly and efficiently of MSA graded cattle, and feedlot as possible cattle represented 62% of MSA graded Sarah said the Eating Quality Graded • familiarise animals to handling cattle. The increase in the proportion (EQG) cipher, released in 2017 to and train stock persons in of feedlot cattle is reflective of the provide brand owners with an handling skills drought conditions in recent years and opportunity to market product according • maintain animals in their social the subsequent high levels of cattle to consumer eating quality outcomes as groups – don’t mix mobs within on feed.” an alternative to dentition‑based ciphers, 14 days of dispatch has continued to have strong adoption. • ensure livestock have access Sarah said the commitment of producers to adopting on‑farm “As at June 2020, brand owners and to water at all times prior practices to achieve outstanding processors who represent 50% of to consignment. eating quality in their livestock saw theMSA graded beef have adopted the national average compliance to MSA EQG cipher for both domestic and minimum requirements for beef lift to international markets,” Sarah said. For more information about MSA 94.2%, up from 93.8% in 2018–19. “There are now 195 beef and and to read the MSA Annual “This commitment is also reflected in thesheepmeat brands licensed to use the Outcomes 2019–20 report, visit national MSA Index, which increased to a MSA trademark.” ■ mla.com.au/msa 8