Supporting WA beef producers to make data-driven decisions
The SMARTBEEF Project is working with beef producers across southern Western Australia to explore how data-driven management decisions influence productivity, profitability and long-term business resilience.
Delivered by LA.ONE Economics & Consulting, based in Albany WA, and supported by MLA, WALRC and Western Beef, the project has established producer groups in the Southwest, South Coast, Coastal Southwest and Northern Valleys, with further groups being recruited.
Through practical on-farm workshops, farm visits, experienced consultants, peer networks and tools such as myFARMSMART, the project encourages producers to understand their own business performance, explore different management scenarios and access their potential for whole-farm economic outcomes. This helps build confidence in making informed decisions suited to individual production systems.
Combining producer-led learning with economic research, the project continues through to 2028, with the objective to support productive, profitable and resilient beef businesses across Western Australia.
Tackling the challenges facing southern WA beef producers on a daily basis, particularly the impacts of climatic conditions on:
The SMARTBEEF team is working towards helping southern WA beef producers tackle the challenges they face on a daily basis, particularly the impacts of climatic conditions on:
Optimising time of calving and weaning weights
Aligning herd nutrition with seasonal feed availability
Managing market options by gaining insights into product value related to market demands
Producer Groups
The SMARTBEEF Project has established producer groups across southern Western Australia, from the Northern Valleys through to the Southwest and Great Southern, with opportunities for more producers to participate.
Beef producers from all types of production systems are encouraged to get involved, connect with others in their region and explore different approaches to managing their businesses.
Each group receives ongoing guidance from the SMARTBEEF project team and local consultants, who collectively bring more than 150 years of industry experience.
Places are limited in each producer group. Register your interest to find out about opportunities in your region.
What's involved
- On-farm learning: Seven producer group meetings over 18–24 months, including farm visits and discussions with industry specialists.
- Peer networks: Share experiences and explore different production systems in your region.
- Business analysis: Access myFARMSMART to analyse your own farm business, compare management scenarios and understand their financial implications.
- Professional support: Ongoing support from the experienced SMARTBEEF project team and their network of local consultants and supply chain.
Cost
Participation includes all training, tools, workshops and access to professional support networks over the 18–24 month project.
Western Beef has subsidised 50% of the project cost for participants
Your contribution is four instalments of $500 + GST ($2,000 + GST in total).
Participants must be Western Beef members ($160 per year) to receive the subsidised project rate.
Benefits
Use exclusive tools
Producers will gain exclusive access to myFARMSMART, a farm management and analysis software program valued at $7,000. Find out more about the tool in this video.
Learn from industry experts
Producers will have access to expertise from University of Adelaide, the Davies Livestock Research Centre, the Y. O’Connor ERADE Village Foundation and producer/grower groups. The SMARTBEEF Project will facilitate workshops and learning sessions involving a range of industry experts.
Access a comprehensive resource library
Participants will have access to:
- survey results
- case studies
- fact sheets
- podcasts
- field days
- webinars tailored to support success.
Grow your network
Connect with peers, advisors and supply chain participants to learn how to improve your business and discover fresh ideas.
Project team
LA.ONE Economics & Consulting, Western Beef Association and University of Adelaide are partnering with MLA Donor Company to enable producers to engage in this project.
Project advisory group
The project advisory group plays a key role in ensuring the success of SMARTBEEF by providing valuable feedback and insights from the farming community. The group:
- consists of experienced producers who contribute to decision making
- offers advice on best practices
- helps to shape the direction of the project.
The group's input ensures that the project remains relevant, practical and beneficial for producers across the region.
