Research and development the focus of new role

A red meat expert with nine years’ experience with Meat and Livestock Australia will join the organisation’s Perth team in January.

David Beatty has spent the past five years based in Dubai as MLA’s international business manager for the Middle East and North Africa and previously spent four years as project manager of MLA’s animal welfare division.

He will take on the newly-created program manager role in January, making the move from Dubai where he was in charge of the company’s live export and marketing programs.

The Perth-based role will require Mr Beatty to manage and drive MLA’s research, development and adoption investments across the entire red meat sector in WA.

MLA managing director Richard Norton said Mr Beatty brought a wealth of experience to the role.

“Western Australia is a vital region for Australia’s entire red meat and livestock sector,” he said.

“Dr Beatty will provide an on-the-ground presence in WA, enabling him to work closely with local producers and industry stakeholders across the entire value chain.”

Mr Beatty will join senior management of MLA’s producer consultation and adoption team.

MLA general manager Michael Crowley said Mr Beatty’s expertise would be a welcome addition.

“Having a presence in WA to help drive the MLA’s RD&A across the entire value chain will be beneficial to the entire industry,” he said.

“The producer consultation and adoption team is responsible for investments in adoption, producer consultation for R&D priorities, livestock genetics and MSA.

“It works closely with producer to drive adoption of R&D outcomes that contribute to increasing productivity and reducing costs of production.

“David will bring a strong and co-ordinated presence to thse areas in WA.”