BetterBeef Producer Groups

What is a BetterBeef Group?

BetterBeef groups are small groups averaging about 12 producers per group, meeting up to 6 times per year.

BetterBeef groups were established in 2011 to support beef producers to:

• build skills and knowledge to operate more productive, profitable and resilient beef enterprises
• adopt contemporary, evidence-based solutions incorporating the latest research, development and technological innovations in pasture-based extensive livestock production systems.

All groups are unique in that its members determine the aspects of beef production that they want to focus on, allowing groups to tailor the program to their production system and environment. All groups have a professional facilitator who is responsible for delivering the group’s annual program. Facilitators are selected from within Agriculture Victoria or the private sector.

BetterBeef groups suit commercially-oriented producers seeking to improve their beef enterprise by making changes to areas in their business, including:

• grazing and pasture management practices
• livestock nutrition, health and welfare
• managing feed gaps
• preparing for drought, natural disasters and biosecurity risks
• financial and business management, strategic planning and succession
• farm infrastructure
• understanding target markets and meeting market and consumer expectations
• having clear breeding goals and objectives and selecting the right genetics for the target market and production environment
• using existing or new technology in farming.

Each month BetterBeef profiles one of the groups in the state-wide network. Group profiles are published with the Beef and Sheep Networks Newsflash a monthly email-based newsletter. Visit the BetterBeef Group Profiles page to learn more about BetterBeef producer groups.

BetterBeef group coordinators

BetterBeef groups are managed by highly qualified and experienced coordinators.

While most coordinators are from the private sector, operating small to medium sized farm advisory and consultancy businesses, there are also several Agriculture Victoria extension officers coordinating groups or available to coordinate a group.

Groups have the option to select their own coordinator, however the BetterBeef management team in Agriculture Victoria endorses and approves selections and engages the coordinator.

This is to ensure that the information delivered and farming practices promoted by the coordinator are:

• based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence
• best practice
• consistent with Victorian law
• tested in a commercial farming context.

About our meetings

When and where are meetings held?

BetterBeef group members decide when and where they meet and for how long. Most groups meet on weekdays during the day.

The session may run for up to 5 hours allowing plenty of time for:

• discussion
• learning
• networking with other farmers and service providers
• inspections of the host farm (such as pastures or livestock).

Some sessions may be held in community halls or sheds, while others are hosted by a member at their farm.

Are group meetings all technical?

No, it's not all technical. The social aspect to each group is also important. Members value the social connections as highly as they value the technical knowledge and skills they acquire.

These social connections become even more important during the more challenging times such as drought or after a natural disaster.

BetterBeef producer discussion groups

BetterBeef groups conduct yearly planning sessions to agree on the topics that are addressed over the approaching 12 months.

The group coordinator is responsible for the delivery of the annual plan. Technical specialists and guest speakers may be used at the discretion of the group participants.

Topics of delivery within a BetterBeef group could include:

• pasture growth
• pasture utilisation
• increasing beef production and maximising herd fertility
• business management
• benchmarking – financial or production
• genetic improvement
• meeting market specifications
• marketing and risk management
• animal health.

Group coordinators develop and deliver effective skill and knowledge development activities, communicate research and development information, challenge producers to trial new technologies and review and report the progress of their groups.

Farming systems demonstration program

BetterBeef group members have a front row seat to producer demonstrations addressing specific issues relevant to their group and region.

To get involved in these practical demos and find out more about the benefits they provide go to our Farming systems demonstrations program page.

Membership fee

BetterBeef groups are subsided by Agriculture Victoria. The base cost, per farming business per year, is $2200 (inc. GST) divided by the number of farming businesses in the group.

For example, for a group of 12 farming businesses, the cost is $183 per business ($2200 divided by 12).

In addition, there may a reasonable amount charged by the coordinator to cover extra costs such as excess travel, or overnight trips.

Joining a group

To enquire about joining a BetterBeef group, please email beef.sheepnetworks@agriculture.vic.gov.au or contact a member of the BetterBeef management team.

Forming a group

If you would like to enquire about a setting up a new group, please contact a member of the BetterBeef management team.

BetterBeef management team

BetterBeef groups in Victoria