WHY IMPORTANT TO WISCONSIN: Wisconsin companies in that sector may find opportunities to participate in the upgrades.
Red meat is big business in Australia.
In 2022, Australia was the fourth-largest beef exporter worldwide, behind Brazil, India, and the U.S., and it was the No. 1 exporter of sheep and goat meat worldwide, according to the organization Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
These achievements have been reached even though Australia has only 1.5% of the global cattle herd and 5% of the global sheep flock, and fewer than 300 commercial slaughterhouses operate throughout the country, according to the Australian Butchers’ Guild.
The red meat and livestock industry generated nearly $82 billion for Australia in 2022-23, the MLA says.
As successful as the sector is, it does have challenges—such as limited water availability, rising energy costs, shortages of skilled labor, and concerns about wastewater management.
As a result, the Australian Meat Processing Corporation (AMPC) is engaged in a variety of advanced product tests, such as robotic systems for precision cuts on animal carcasses and biomass boilers that would replace fossil fuel heaters for meat processing.
In addition, some companies are making their own investments to expand, add technology, and optimize their processes. For example:
• MAP WA, co-owned by Western Meat Packer Group and Coles, is expanding its innovative packaging system at its Bibra Lake operation to increase supplies of meat products in Coles stores. The $22 million investment involves the addition of new thermoforming technology that will be the first of its kind in Australia.
• The Australian Meat Group is upgrading its New South Wales facility with technology that will allow it to process 1,000 head of cattle and 7,500 sheep a day when it opens in 2025.
• The government has approved plans by Asia Pacific Agri Group for a $200 million high-tech slaughter facility that will include 235 acres of solar panels, enough to provide one-third of the site’s energy needs.
Wisconsin companies with technology, equipment, or other products for the meat processing sector should consider making connections with industry colleagues in Australia.
