The trial includes 10 groups of beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat producers working together in a supported learning environment under the long-term guidance of specialist coaches in all states and territories. 

It follows last year’s Profitable Grazing Systems (PGS) project, which involved 130 red meat producers throughout Australia. 

MLA General Manager – Producer Consultation & Adoption Michael Crowley said the aim of the PGS program was to encourage and support red meat producers to improve management skills and help lift productivity and profitability by 2.5 per cent return on assets managed by 2022.

“The PGS pilot program has clearly highlighted that industry is ready for change and a new approach to on-farm extension and adoption,” Crowley said. 

“MLA is in a position to capitalise on the momentum and interest generated by the pilot project and previous programs. We will commence the roll out of the new program this year.” 

Last year, 130 producers and 96 businesses participated in the pilot with an average 26,000 hectares and a total of more than 1.5 million hectares under management.

“A mid-term review of the PGS pilot found that producer knowledge, attitude, skills and aspiration (KASA) audit scores increased from an average of 46% before the pilot started, to 76%,” Crowley said.

“This is a positive result and indicates that producers who participated in the pilot are well on the pathway to skill development.

“Results of the pilot over a nine-month period have shown producers who implemented changes within the supported learning pilot also demonstrated an increase in profitability when compared to their peers.” 

Crowley said the PGS program builds on the tools and resources of MLA’s flagship extension and adoption programs, including Making More from Sheep and More Beef from Pastures.

“Coinciding with this is a desire from MLA to achieve a measureable impact on red meat business profitability through the delivery of extension and adoption programs where there is limited public extension provision,” Crowley said.

“MLA’s 2014 situation analyses of the profitability of the northern beef, southern beef and sheep industries identified increased business profitability can be achieved through capability development targeting key profit drivers and financial literacy and management.

“The PGS project will deliver major benefits after five years, with an upfront investment in deliverer capability. There will also be an ongoing transition to a 'user pays' approach that will ensure sustainable investment and long term commitment.”

Full roll out details of the PGS program will be available soon.