Meat & Livestock Australia's On The Ground Podcast

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.