INDUSTRY
RESEARCH
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
WELFARE
ABOUT
MEDIA
LOGIN
RD&E project

Optimising Australia's live cattle supply chain for global competitiveness

Summary

Australia plays a significant role in the global live cattle export market; however, competition from other countries presents ongoing challenges. To maintain competitiveness, it is crucial to assess and enhance the efficiency of Australia’s livestock export supply chain and create opportunities to increase commercial profitability. This project aims to enhance the productivity and performance of live cattle supply chains in South East Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Vietnam.

The project will analyse feedlot and abattoir operations, explore the full carcase value (including non-meat products), and assess operational practices to identify improvements in efficiency and profitability. It will also investigate the specifications and value attributes preferred by Indonesian and Vietnamese importers, helping Australian exporters align offerings with market demands.

To foster collaboration within the industry, a working group of key stakeholders that supply to Indonesia and Vietnam will be established. This group will provide guidance and support throughout the project, ensuring that stakeholder input is integrated into the analysis and recommendations.

This project is managed by the Livestock Export RD&E Program, a collaboration between LiveCorp and Meat & Livestock Australia.

Objectives
  • Conduct a comprehensive analysis of in-market operations and practices, including feedlot and abattoir operations in Indonesia and Vietnam, to identify opportunities for improving productivity, efficiency and profitability.

  • Evaluate the value derived from full carcase use in South East Asian markets, including pathways for higher-value meat and non-meat products.

  • Explore and evaluate growth opportunities outside of traditional wet market sales channels.

  • Investigate the specifications and value attributes desired by Indonesian and Vietnamese importers (and consumers) to determine opportunities for expanding the supply of Australian cattle with varied breeds and genetics.

  • Provide industry stakeholders with evidence-based insights to inform strategic goal setting and decision-marking, develop targeted industry programs, and contribute long-term sustainability in global markets.

Benefits to industry

The insights generated from this project will help industry stakeholders identify practical efficiencies and higher-value product pathways, enhancing the competitiveness of Australian livestock exports in these critical markets.

Project Code

LC.RDE.0047

Research Organisation

FocusGroupGo

Species

Beef Cattle

Start Date

28/03/2025

Status

Ongoing

Project End Date

31/03/2026