In Short

• A $2.4M Partnership: CSU and MLA have launched the NextGen Data Capability Program to bring 15 data specialists into the red meat supply chain.
• Tech-Driven Solutions: Graduates will focus on AI-driven production efficiency, carbon footprint tracking, and enhanced biosecurity measures.
• Closing the Gap: The initiative aims to turn complex data theory into practical, on-farm tools that increase market returns and sustainability.

A new partnership between Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Charles Sturt University (CSU) aims to integrate graduate data specialists into the red meat supply chain to address challenges in traceability, biosecurity, and on-farm decision-making.

The NextGen Data Capability Program, a $2.4 million strategic initiative, was officially launched at the evokeAG conference in Melbourne. Jointly funded by CSU and the MLA Donor Company, the program will be overseen by the Integrity Systems Company (ISC).

Focus on Real-World Application

The initiative will place approximately 15 graduate students into MLA offices to work alongside ISC staff. These students, specialising in data engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), and analytics, will focus on several priority use cases identified by the industry, including:

Production Efficiency: Maintaining product quality while improving output.

Sustainability Tracking: Calculating carbon footprints per animal to estimate emissions.

Market Insights: Using AI to drive higher returns through value optimisation and customer analytics.

Research Accessibility: Developing AI-driven insights from existing industry research libraries.

According to the program organisers, the goal is to bridge the gap between advanced digital theory and the physical realities of the red meat industry.

Industry Perspectives

Integrity Systems Company Chief Executive Officer Jo Quigley stated that 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.

Ms Quigley further noted the collaborative nature of the partnership with Charles Sturt University, which maintains a significant presence in regional New South Wales.

“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.”

Regarding the expected outcomes for the participants and the sector, Ms Quigley added:

“Under this program, everybody benefits. 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.”

Program Implementation

The MLA states that the program aligns with its 2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritises data-led transformation to maintain transparency within the supply chain. Students participating in the program will be academically supervised by CSU while working on defined industry outcomes.

Applications for the NextGen Data Capability Program are currently open through Charles Sturt University.