Developing the red meat industry’s future digital leaders
From traceability to biosecurity to improving on-farm decision-making, the way we use data plays an integral part in Australia’s modern red meat industry.
In a world of rapidly emerging technologies, Meat & Livestock Australia is determined to stay ahead of the curve by fostering the industry’s digital transformation across multiple paths, including by investing in the next generation of data specialists.
Last week, at evokeAG in Melbourne, MLA partnered with Charles Sturt University to launch the NextGen Data Capability Program, a strategic initiative that will bring graduate students into the fold to work on real-world data problems.
Building on the priorities outlined in MLA’s 2030 Strategic Plan, the NextGen partnership will help lead industry-wide data and artificial intelligence transformation, thereby strengthening Australia’s position as a world leader in traceability, transparency, and decision-making across the red meat supply chain.
The $2.4 million investment will be jointly funded by Charles Sturt University and MLA Donor Company and overseen by Integrity Systems Company.
This program will help build the workforce of the future by creating real-world opportunities for students skilled in data science, data engineering, artificial intelligence, and analytics. Approximately 15 students will have the opportunity to work on priority data use cases such as:
- improving production efficiency while maintaining product quality
- opportunities to drive higher returns through growth and value optimisation
- AI-driven insights from research libraries
- carbon footprint calculation per animal to estimate emissions and support sustainability goals, and
- enhanced products and operations through customer insight analytics.
Integrity Systems Company Chief Executive Officer Jo Quigley said the initiative represents a practical step toward turning strategy into delivery.
“Data is one of our industry’s most powerful tools. To fully realise that potential, we need to have both advanced digital systems and the people who can design, build, and apply them to complex real-world problems,” Jo said.
“Charles Sturt University has strong capability in advanced data disciplines. What their students need is access to real-world agricultural problems. This program brings those two strengths together in a shared solution that benefits everyone.”
“It accelerates delivery of our Data Strategy and provides a scalable model for embedding digital and data capability across the sector. If successful, it could become a template for future MLA capability development and a key lever for fast-tracking industry digital transformation.”
Students who successfully apply to participate in the program will be academically supervised and supported by Charles Sturt University and will work out of an MLA office, side-by-side with ISC staff, to deliver defined outcomes. They will also be able to partake of MLA’s capability development programs and present their work through regular showcases.
“Under this program, everybody benefits,” Jo said.
“The students gain the benefit of working on live, complex, important problems. ISC and the broader industry will benefit from brilliant young minds bringing modern skills to a technologically evolving sector.
“I anticipate that we will learn as much from them as they do from us.”
Student applications for the NextGen Data Capability Program are now open. For more information, visit the program page at Charles Sturt University.