Disclaimer:© 2025. Meat & Livestock Australia. ABN 39 081 678 364. Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, MLA , MDC and ISC (“MLA Group”) do not accept responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information or opinions contained in this publication. This publication is intended to provide general information only and it has been prepared without taking into account your specific circumstances, objectives, or needs. Any forwardlooking statements made within this publication are not guarantees of future performance or results, and performance or results may vary from those expressed in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements. No representation, warranty or other assurance is given as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness, likelihood of achievement or reasonableness of forward-looking statements or related assumptions contained in the publication. You should make your own enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests. Your use of, or reliance on, any content is entirely at your own risk and the MLA Group accepts no liability for any losses or damages incurred by you as a result of that use or reliance. MLA acknowledges the matching funds provided by the Australian Government to support the research and development detailed in this Annual Report.
Annual Report 2024–25
Creating value
Read the full report
ABOUT MLA

MLA invests in research and marketing activities for the benefit of the Australian red meat and livestock industry

What we do
Research, development and adoption

MLA invested $183.3 million in a range of research, development and adoption programs during FY25.

This included $89.1 million invested through MLA Donor Company (MDC). This investment includes matching funds from the Australian Government and grants.

In FY25, MLA concluded 235 research contracts, worth $147.0 million. These include 72 MDC contracts, contributing a total value of $94.3 million.

MLA commenced 235 new research and development contracts totalling $122.6 million in FY25. This included 83 contracts through MDC equating to $80.4 million, with milestones across multiple years. As at 30 June 2025, there are 446 active research and development contracts worth $528.9 million.

Marketing, market access and insights

During the year MLA invested $98.9 million in marketing, market access and insights to grow demand for Australian red meat and livestock domestically and abroad. The majority of this investment was ineligible to be matched with funds from the Australian Government.

How we work

As the declared industry research and marketing body under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024, we operate in partnership with the Australian Government and value chain partners. The Australian Government sets priority research and development objectives covering community, industry and environmental concerns.

Peak industry bodies (PIBs) – Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, Cattle Australia, Goat Industry Council Australia and Sheep Producers Australia – assist MLA in consulting with levy payers on industry needs and priorities, and provide guidance to ensure MLA strategy reflects these. MLA also works closely with the Red Meat Advisory Council, the Australian Meat Processor Corporation, the Australian Meat Industry Council, LiveCorp and the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council to develop programs that address key industry issues and opportunities through the supply chain, manage projects and communicate outcomes.

How we are funded
MLA is primarily funded via transaction levies paid on livestock sales by producers. These levies are used to support marketing, research and development activities. However, we also receive funding through:
  • funding co-contributions matching levy investment through the Australian Government
  • unmatched grants
  • other funding streams.
For the full breakdown of MLA’s funding sources, visit mla.com.au/how-we-are-funded
Who we are
Our board

The MLA Board’s nine directors combine a broad range of skills, experience and expertise to set strategic priorities for the company and approve and monitor progress against MLA’s Strategic Plan. mla.com.au/board

Our business units

MLA delivers marketing, research and development on behalf of cattle, sheep and goat levy payers through five business units and two subsidiary companies. mla.com.au/how-we-deliver

Our staff

As at 30 June 2025, MLA had 299 employees, both domestically and internationally.

OVERVIEW

2024–25 highlights

Investments

All MLA programs are evaluated on a regular basis using a comprehensive Triple Bottom Line evaluation framework.

This allows MLA to calculate investment returns in a systematic and timely basis rather than relying on a five-year evaluation cycle. It also allows MLA to continuously monitor the timing and value of the economic, social and environmental benefits derived from our investments.

Read more

Performance

Status of MLA’s 2024–25 key performance indicators as at 30 June 2025.

KPIs in Annual Investment Plan 2024–25

AchievedPartly achievedNot achieved

Strategic focus KPIs in MLA’s Strategic Plan 2025

On trackNot on track

Membership

Membership of MLA is voluntary and free to all levy-paying grassfed cattle, grainfed cattle, sheep, lamb and goat producers. MLA had 50,641 members as at 30 June 2025, an increase of 120 members from 2024. The table below shows the composition of MLA’s members.

Loading..........

The Data is Not Available

ALIGNMENT WITH GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES

R&D priorities

MLA’s research and development investments align with The National Science and Research Priorities which are:
  • transitioning to a net zero future
  • supporting healthy and thriving communities
  • elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems
  • protecting and restoring Australia’s environment building a secure and resilient nation.
Read more about Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities
Value of research contracts at 30 June each financial year
CHAIR'S REPORT

The past 12 months presented a range of opportunities and challenges for the Australian red meat and livestock industry.

In southern Australia, severe drought conditions persisted and some regions experienced their driest year on record, forcing significant destocking and trucking of hay to feed livestock.

The industry also faced opposite conditions with major flooding events in western Queensland and northern NSW in 2025. The western Queensland flood caused stock losses above 200,000, with floodwaters covering an area of 13 million hectares and stretching into parts of the NT and NSW.

The NSW mid-north coast experienced its own broadscale disaster after more than 500mm fell in some regions and destroyed fences and infrastructure and also caused significant livestock losses.

Read more
MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT

In my first year as Managing Director, it has been a pleasure to consult widely with stakeholders to gain and build their insights into the new strategic plan.

A key feature of MLA’s focus over the past year has been the consultation for and development of a new five-year Strategic Plan.

MLA had more than 1,000 pieces of feedback from stakeholders at more than 20 face-to-face sessions and via an online survey. This feedback helped MLA to create and launch a new Strategic Plan that has been co-designed by industry and built strongly upon industry priorities for the next five years.

Our new Strategic Plan 2030 is built on industry priorities and aligns to the red meat industry’s strategic plan – Red Meat 2030. It identifies MLA’s bold ambitions that will drive productivity and profitability to underpin sustainability and the prosperity of our great industry.

Read more

Financial summary

Revenue 2024–25 ($ million)

$313.1 million

Expenditure 2024–25 ($ million)

$282.2 million

Retained earnings by funding source 2024–25

Grassfed cattle leviesGrainfed cattle leviesLamb levies
Mutton leviesGoat leviesMLA Donor Company
Integrity Systems Company

$82.5 million

This website use cookies - read our cookie policy