Thomas Foods International Angus Foundation Supply Chain Tour 2024 Wrap-Up: A Deep Dive into Australia’s Beef Industry
The 2024 Thomas Foods International Angus Foundation Supply Chain Tour recently concluded in Adelaide, where twelve young delegates from across Australia were given an exceptional opportunity to explore the nation’s beef supply chain from pasture to plate. The tour spanned three days, covering key stages of beef production and processing, and showcasing the intricacies and innovations within Australia’s beef industry.
A Journey Across the Beef Supply Chain
The tour kicked off at Mount Schanck, a high-intensity grazing property located in the lush region of Mount Gambier, South Australia. Home to approximately 3,000 Angus females, this pristine property demonstrated the power and potential of southern grazing systems. The delegates were impressed by the consistency, scale, and management of the operation, which serves as an excellent model for high-intensity grazing.
Next, the group moved to Southern Cross Feedlot in Tintinara, a 30,000-head grain-fed operation primarily dedicated to Angus cattle. Owned by Thomas Foods International, Southern Cross Feedlot stands as one of South Australia’s premier grain-fed facilities. Delegates were captivated by the scale and quality of this feedlot, underscoring Thomas Foods’ commitment to quality and efficiency in beef production.
The final production stop was Thomas Foods International’s new beef processing facility in Murray Bridge, Australia’s most advanced beef processing plant. Here, the delegates enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art facility. The plant tour offered a unique chance to see the entire processing chain, giving the young beef enthusiasts a hands-on look at the sophisticated operations involved in delivering quality beef to consumers.
Exploring Retail Connections and Meeting Industry Experts
After touring the production facilities, the delegates visited Thomas Farms’ retail outlets, including a local butcher shop and a Drake Supermarket in Adelaide. These visits provided insight into the end stages of the supply chain, reinforcing the connection between beef production and the retail market, where quality and consistency truly matter.
Beyond the facilities, the tour emphasized the importance of people in the beef industry. Delegates had the opportunity to meet the skilled and dedicated professionals at each stage of the supply chain, who shared their expertise and passion for quality beef production.
This included a visit to Van Schaik’s Bio Gro, who operate organic receival facilities in South Australia and Victoria to support diversion of organic waste product from landfill. This waste is utilised to create products for the horticulture, viticulture, agriculture and landscape market.
Joining the group from Achmea were Luke Foster, General Manager – Commercial West and Southern Australia, and Kaydee Rogers, local Farm Insurance Specialist in South Australia.
Jake Bourne from Zoetis gave a presentation on the use of genomics and more specifically Angus HeiferSELECT.
While Vaughan Johnston from Semex spoke about genetic innovation from a dairy perspective and how the advantages could be applied to a beef operation.
Along with Thomas Foods Angus Australia must thank each of these businesses for their support of the tour.
Attendee Reflections and Key Takeaways
For the attendees, the experience was transformative. One attendee highlighted the significance of the Mount Schanck visit, noting how it illustrated the future direction of beef production in Australia and the challenges and innovations that will help the industry meet evolving domestic and international market demands. Others expressed gratitude for the chance to visit such high-profile facilities and learn directly from leaders in the field.
The tour was also an opportunity to make lasting connections with like-minded individuals passionate about beef production.
Make sure you read the 2025 Summer Edition of the Angus Bulletin to get the full report.
Looking Forward to Future Tours
The Thomas Foods International Angus Foundation Supply Chain Tour has once again proven to be a valuable educational opportunity for young people interested in the beef industry. After concluding the tour with a 200-day grain-fed Angus steak dinner at the Adelaide Oval, delegates and hosts alike expressed excitement about the possibility of a 2025 Angus Foundation production tour.
With the industry’s continued support, these tours will continue to inspire and equip the next generation of beef producers with the skills and insights needed to shape Australia’s beef industry in the years to come. If you want to ensure Angus Australia can continue to offer programs like this, make sure you get involved and support the Angus Foundation.
