Meat & Livestock Australia's On The Ground Podcast

In this episode we head straight to the paddock and follow our Aussie Beef Mate delegates on a journey through Victoria, as they discover the science, care, and precision behind Australian beef. At Harmony Wagyu, we explore how genetics, IVF breeding programs, pasture management, and emerging technologies such as grazing collars and drones are helping produce more consistent, high-quality Wagyu. We also hear from chefs from Harrods, the Philippines, and Indonesia as they share their impressions after visiting farms and processing facilities—and explain how these experiences are changing the way they understand, cook, and serve beef. It’s an inside look at the people, processes, and decisions that have helped make Australian beef a global benchmark.

When flights stop, exports stall. Christian Thomas from C.T Freight reveals how Middle East conflict has ripped through Australian chilled meat logistics, tripling freight rates in some lanes, rerouting product through new hubs, and forcing exporters to make decisions in hours, not days. If you sell beef, lamb, or fresh product into global markets, this is the episode that shows how fragile - and adaptable - the supply chain really is.

This week Josh Anderson catches up with Andy Groneman, MLA’s business development manager in the US, while he’s in Australia for the Aussie Beef Mates tour and filming content for the Aussie Meat Academy. The conversation opens with the latest US beef quota announcement and what it could mean for imported product sentiment, cattle prices, and domestic herd expansion.

This week Josh catches up with Travis Brown, Regional Manager for Japan and Korea, to unpack what’s happening on the ground across two key markets for Australian red meat. From Brazil’s potential market access and what it could mean for competition, to the success of Father’s Day retail and food service campaigns, the conversation explores how MLA is building brand value, loyalty, and long-term market readiness.

The US red meat market is bigger, more complex, and more full of opportunity than most people realise - and Paul Da Silva reveals why Australian beef, lamb, and goat are still finding buyers even as trade policy shifts underfoot.Josh Anderson sits down with Paul, MLA’s regional manager in North America, for a sharp update on the forces reshaping the market: tariff moves, the USITC safeguard investigation into lamb, and the surprising demand signals from consumers actively seeking protein.

In this episode we're joined by Valeska, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, as she unpacks shifting global trade flows and what they mean for Australian beef and lamb across markets like the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Valeska shares insights from the ground in Manila, where she’s seeing growing demand for premium products, stronger retail and foodservice opportunities, and a rising interest in health-and-wellness activations that connect Australian beef with consumers in new ways. It’s a timely look at how Australia is strengthening its presence across Southeast Asia through trade shows, education, and partner-led activations.

In this special episode, we join MLA's special guests—international delegates of industry experts and international dietitians—sharing first hand perspectives on Australian livestock and food culture. Step into the paddocks with industry insiders and international experts as they explore the critical connection between soil quality and premium meat production. Learn why diversified pastures and sustainable farming practices aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the backbone of a resilient, future-proof industry that feeds millions with quality and confidence.

As global trade constraints tighten, Murray Davis, MLA's regional manager for Greater China, reveals how Australian beef and lamb are navigating record-high prices, mounting inventories, and emerging markets like Taiwan and the Pearl River Delta. You'll discover how China's demand for lamb is fueling a booming trade, even as beef faces unprecedented restrictions—plus, why storage levels could impact the market for years to come.

Unlock the secret forces shaping the global red meat industry—insights that could redefine your strategy in a competitive market. In this episode, Scott Cameron, Meat & Livestock Australia’s insights guru, shares the must-know trends driving everything from consumer choices at home to export opportunities overseas. Whether you're a producer, exporter, or a curious meat enthusiast, you’ll discover how factors like cost of living, cultural shifts, and international market dynamics influence the future of Australian beef and lamb.

Unlock the secrets to transforming public perception and maximizing the health benefits of red meat in this eye-opening episode. Monique Cashin, group manager of food and nutrition at MLA, reveals how the industry is embracing a nuanced, personalized approach to wellness, focusing on high-quality, nutrient-dense red meat that aligns with current health and sustainability trends. Discover why balancing nutrition science with responsible farming practices is crucial as global diets evolve—and why understanding this nexus could make or break the future of red meat.

Darren Watson, regional manager for the Middle East, Europe, and UK, pulls back the curtain on the real stories shaping exports from Australia to these critical markets. From geopolitical shifts in the Middle East to the booming demand for Australian beef and Wagyu in the UK, this episode reveals the game-changing trends that can make or break your international opportunities.

Think barbecue competitions are just about meat and smoke? Think again. Andy Groneman, a champion pit master and former competitive BBQ champion, unwraps the secrets behind winning at the highest levels—and how amateurs can level up their game. From sourcing perfect proteins to mastering flavor profiles that score points without offending judges, Andy reveals the tiny details that turn good barbecue into championship-winning fare.

In this episode, MLA's Regional Manager for Japan and Korea, Travis Brown, explores how Australian beef is thriving in Korea and Japan despite quota challenges and shifting consumer trends. Discover strategies like the Aussie Meat Academy's nutrition push and Japan's Father's Day beef campaign, which are transforming market perceptions. Learn how Australia's reputation for quality and strategic branding is driving consumer trust and success in North Asia's dynamic markets.

In this episode, MLA's Regional Manager for South East Asia, Valeska, reveals how soaring food trends, innovative cross-regional collaborations, and dynamic trade shows like Tyfex are transforming the region into a powerhouse demand zone for high-quality Australian red meat. If you're in the industry or want to understand how to capitalize on Asia’s evolving appetite for premium meat, this episode will change your perspective.

Discover how Australia's live export industry is navigating complex regulations and international relationships to position itself for sustainable growth. Mark Harvey Sutton, CEO of the Australian Livestock Exporters Council, shares insights into the industry's high standards, cutting-edge shipping technology, and strategic vision that preserve animal welfare and strengthen global trade ties. Despite recent policy setbacks, the sector remains a billion-dollar economic engine rooted in northern Australia.

The China trade scene is evolving at lightning speed. In this eye-opening episode, discover how Australian red meat exporters navigate a complex, changing landscape marked by tariffs, regulatory shifts, and geopolitical surprises.Murray Davis, MLA’s regional manager for Greater China, also joins Josh and shares behind-the-scenes insights from the ground in Shanghai, revealing how relationships built over 30 years are tested by new tariffs and a volatile market. Amidst the noise of rapidly re-accrediting US plants and the uncertainty over China’s import policies, learn why loyalty, reputation, and personal connections remain vital in this high-stakes game.

Most Australian meat exporters are navigating a complex global landscape—where shifts in trade policies, regional markets, and consumer trust are shaping the future. In this episode, Andrew Cox, General Manager of MLA's International Markets, shares insider insights from across Asia, Europe, and North America, revealing the surprising strategies behind Australia's ongoing success in international trade.Andrew takes us on a whirlwind tour of key markets—from the bustling trade show floor in Singapore to the competitive retail shelves of the UK—and explains exactly how Australian beef and lamb are rising above tariffs, quotas, and geopolitical tensions. You'll discover the innovative ambassador programs that turn local food professionals into global brand ambassadors, and why Southeast Asia's growing love for beef makes it the next big frontier.

The American grilling season is in full swing—and the story behind rising beef prices reveals a surprising shift in consumer behaviour. In this episode, we dive into the latest insights from Meat & Livestock Australia’s North American Regional Manager, Paul Da Silva, on how beef prices impact U.S. consumer habits.

In this episode, Tim Ryan, CEO of the Australian Meat Industry Council, discusses the current challenges and opportunities in the Australian meat export industry, including trade issues, market access, and quality development.

This week Josh catches up with Mick Crowley, Managing Director of MLA, live on the road in Vietnam. Josh discusses the impact of global trade challenges, and innovative marketing strategies with Michael Crowley, Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia. Discover insights into international market opportunities, value-based marketing, and the resilience of Australian producers.

Darren Watson, MLA's regional manager in the Middle East, shares insights on the current geopolitical and logistical challenges affecting the Australian red meat industry, including supply chain disruptions, market adaptations, and opportunities amid crisis.

On this episode of On The Ground, we’re joined by Regional Manager for South East Asia, Valeska, who brings a first hand perspective on the latest developments across the region.From shifting dynamics on the ground to the stories making headlines right now, Valeska unpacks what’s really happening beyond the surface — and why it matters.Plus, a major announcement: a bold new campaign aimed squarely at sports lovers is about to launch, and it’s set to turn heads. We get the inside track on what it is, who it’s for, and why it could make serious waves.If you want insight, context, and a genuine on-the-ground view of the region — this is one you don’t want to miss.

This week we bring you to London for the International Food Event 2026.With Meat & Livestock Australia hosting 13 meat exporters this year, we catch up with some of the key stakeholders at the event and bring you all the latest trade news and information.

Hot off the press, Australia’s long-awaited free trade deal with the European Union has finally landed — but for the red meat industry, it’s not the win many were hoping for.In this episode, we break down what’s actually in the deal, what it means for Australian producers, and why industry leaders are calling it everything from “deeply disappointing” to the “worst ever” agreement for red meat. Joining us is Andrew McDonald, Chair of the Australia–EU Red Meat Market Access Taskforce, who’s been at the centre of negotiations and advocacy throughout the process. He explains why the final outcome — including limited quota increases for beef and sheep meat — falls well short of expectations, and what it means for Australia’s competitiveness in one of the world’s most protected markets. We unpack the politics, the trade-offs, and the real-world impact for producers, exporters, and the broader ag sector — plus what happens next from here.If you’re trying to make sense of the EU deal and why it’s sparked such a strong reaction across the industry, this is the episode that lays it all out.

Episode 4 of MLA’s On the Ground Podcast heads to North Asia for a market update with Regional Manager for Japan and Korea, Travis Brown.With deep experience across two of Australia’s most important export markets, Travis shares what he’s seeing on the ground right now — from shifting demand trends to the key challenges facing Aussie beef in the year ahead.He also unpacks where the real opportunities lie, and how producers and exporters can position themselves to stay competitive in these high-value markets.

What’s really happening in the U.S. red meat market right now?In this episode we’re joined by Michael Forrest, CEO of Thomas Foods International, who has just returned from the annual U.S. Meat Conference. Michael shares what he’s hearing directly from industry leaders and buyers on the ground — from shifting consumer demand to the broader outlook for beef and lamb in the American market.We discuss the key trends shaping the U.S. protein sector, how Australian producers fit into the global supply picture, and what the mood is like across the industry right now.If you’re interested in the future of red meat exports and the signals coming out of one of the world’s biggest markets, this conversation offers valuable insight.

In this episode of On The Ground, we speak with Murray Davis, Meat & Livestock Australia’s Regional Manager for Greater China, for the latest update from one of Australia’s most important export markets.Murray shares insights into current market conditions across China, the key factors shaping demand for Australian beef and lamb, and how shifting economic and consumer trends are influencing trade. He also looks ahead to the opportunities and challenges that may impact Australian red meat exports in 2026.From evolving retail and foodservice dynamics to broader economic signals, this conversation provides valuable on-the-ground perspective for anyone interested in the future of Australian red meat in the China market.

Andrew Cox, General Manager of International Markets at Meat & Livestock Australia, joins us to break down the defining export moments of 2025 and what lies ahead for Australian red meat in 2026. From shifting global demand to key growth regions, Andrew outlines the major forces shaping international trade and where the biggest opportunities are emerging.We also unpack the implications of the current Middle East conflict and what geopolitical instability means for export flows, pricing and market access. It’s a practical, straight-talking look at the realities facing producers and exporters — and the strategies that will matter most in the year ahead.