Program
Find out what is in the program for MLA Updates on 20 November 2025.
Click on the topic title to find out more about each session. Speakers will be announced very soon.
- MORNING
- AFTERNOON
Registration open and showcase opens (including tea and coffee on arrival)
MLA Managing Director outlines MLA’s vision of the future and how MLA will drive producer and industry prosperity.
Q&A session facilitated by Pip Courtney
What policy issues does the industry face? What are the biggest opportunities? How the peak bodies represent levy payers, drive policy and advocate on behalf of the industry.
Facilitated by Pip Courtney
Vision for the Future: Darren Thomas on Australia's red meat Industry
Darren Thomas shares his strategic outlook for the Australian red meat industry over the next five years.
As a leader of one of Australia's most influential agrifood businesses, Darren will provide an overview of his vision for value capture and creation on a local and global scale and what's driving sustainable growth in red meat supply and demand.
Join industry leaders as we explore the role of MLA in advancing national net zero ambitions through cutting-edge innovation and strategic collaboration.
Discover how multibreed genetic evaluation and the development of livestock credentials are shaping a more resilient and productive red meat industry.
We’ll discuss critical progress in drought preparedness, animal productivity, and smarter pasture utilisation, plus insights into flock and herd rebuilding strategies.
2030 Strategic Pillar: Drive profitable, productive and sustainable growth.
What is MLA is doing in market and business development.
Presentation of Subway-style lamb sandwich
We explore what’s shaping the global red meat industry, the shifting dynamics of international trade and market access and the opportunities for the Australian producers as the global appetite for Australian red meat expands.
MLA strategically invests in marketing to drive demand both domestically and internationally, through targeted campaigns and business development activities. Discover how these marketing activities are increasing the demand for Australian red meat in the face of stiff competition.
Learn how the red meat industry is unlocking new value through innovative product development, where emerging opportunities are aligning with the nutritional needs of consumers.
Initiatives such as verified storytelling, school-based education programs, and the Red Meat Ambassador program are strengthening community support and trust in the industry, as well as developing the future workforce and cultivating leadership to ensure the long-term prosperity of the red meat industry.
Meat Standards Australia (MSA) is transforming how red meat producers measure success, shifting focus from yield alone to eating quality that delivers real market value. This session explores how the MSA grading system consistently meets consumer expectations, boosts carcase performance, and unlocks premium returns.
Creating and capturing value along the supply chain is central to a more profitable red meat industry. Meat Standards Australia continues to deliver value to producers who can deliver consistent eating quality.
As research unlocks new objective ways to measure other attributes such as yield and carcase health, it is becoming a reality that true carcase value can be quantified.
Dive into the latest tools that connect data from paddock to processor, strengthening market signals, and building trust through verified livestock credentials. It’s about turning quality into profit and staying ahead in a competitive global market.