Meat & Livestock Australia's On The Ground Podcast

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.