Southern Western Australian beef producers looking to sharpen their business skills and improve long-term profitability are invited to be involved in the newly-launched SMARTBEEF Project.
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Supported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Western Australia Livestock Research Council (WALRC), the project offers practical, peer-supported learning focused on data-driven decision making, farm business analysis, and market insights.
Over the next 18 months, participating producers will work in local peer groups based around four host farms - Keysbrook, Donnybrook, Pemberton, and Albany.
These producer groups will be supported by experienced facilitators and industry experts to evaluate existing farm systems, identify opportunities, and implement changes that make a measurable difference.
Albany beef producer Matt Leov, one of the project's host farmers, is excited to learn from others and refine his system.
"Looking at what other farms are doing and why - and adopting the best ideas - will be a game changer," Mr Leov said.
He said this meant focusing on feed efficiency, weaner performance, and building connections with like-minded producers.
Southern WA's beef industry faces pressures from shifting market dynamics, seasonal conditions, and increasing production costs.
The SMARTBEEF Project is designed to help producers build confidence and resilience in the face of these challenges, using proven tools and collaborative learning.
"This isn't about sitting through presentations," said project leader Lucy Anderton.
"It's about producers learning from each other and using real farm data to make more informed decisions."
Participants will also get access to myFARMSMART, a digital tool that uses live data to test business scenarios - like changing calving time or managing feed costs - helping producers understand their cost of production and respond to change with confidence.
The first SMARTBEEF producer intake will run from July 2025 to December 2026.
Whether you're managing a breeding herd, backgrounding or finishing cattle, this project is for producers ready to invest in their business and be part of reshaping WA's beef sector.
To find out more, go to mla.com.au/research-and-development/the-smartbeef-project - and join us at the upcoming SMARTBEEF Field Day at Pemberton on Tuesday, June 17.
Hear from guest speakers, meet the project team, and learn how you can get involved.
Register now: bit.ly/SMARTBEEFreg17june
- For enquiries, contact project administrator Andrea Tickell at thesmartbeefproject@laoneconsulting.com or call 0427 447 040.
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