By Vernon Graham
One of Australia's most innovative sheep processors says the lamb industry will be "unrecognisable" within five years.
Will Barton, chief executive officer of family-owned, NSW-based Gundagai Meat Processors (GMP), says the arrival of eating quality measurement technology will revolutionise the industry and open new opportunities for high growth.
He says the combination of objective measurement of carcase lean meat yield (through DEXA machines) and eating quality (based heavily on intramuscular fat) will provide identification of the best lamb genetics.
Together they will allow the introduction of a value-based payment system which will send clear price signals to producers about the most profitable sheepmeat genetics.
Will Barton, CEO of Gundagai Meat Processors, and lamb floor manager, Jason Crane, with the plant's DEXA unit which measures lean carcase yield.