Meat Standards Australia expands market access for northern beef producers

A new Meat Standards Australia (MSA) entry pathway has expanded market access for beef producers by allowing cattle to remain in transport for up to 120 hours while maintaining MSA eligibility. This development opens significant portions of northern Australia to MSA-accredited processors, including remote areas in the Northern Territory and northern South Australia.

David Packer, a program manager for carcass value at Meat & Livestock Australia, noted that the initiative aims to integrate the extensive northern cattle production system into MSA markets without compromising eating quality. The program follows a seven-year investigation that addressed challenges such as severe weather and infrastructure issues. The new pathway may also provide opportunities for producers in northern Western Australia and western Queensland to access premium markets.