History of the Beef CRC
History of the Beef CRC - Beef CRC - Beef Genetic Technologies
| The Beef Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) was established to identify the genetic and non-genetic factors affecting beef quality and other production traits of economic importance. Funded by the Commonwealth Government, Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) are considered 'Engines of Innovation'. CRCs pull together researchers and industry to develop new products, services and opportunities of immense value and benefit to the Australian economy, industry, environment and community. Since 1993 the Beef CRC has delivered on its promise of enabling the beef industry to reliably meet beef consumer specifications. |
 The first Beef CRC, established in 1993 addressed the major emerging beef issues of the early 1990s. The North Asian markets were being liberalised, subsequently leading to an increase in demand for Australian beef. Consumers were also demanding a more consistent and predictable product. These forces demanded a radical new research focus to concentrate on the genetic and non-genetic factors which influence beef quality. Industry needed to move away from a beef commodity focus to one of producing quality-driven beef products designed to meet the exacting standards of beef consumers in Australia and the 110 countries that import Australian beef. |
 The Beef CRC was a complex undertaking, requiring a vision to establish and complete a comprehensive beef quality progeny test program. It required the proportional contributions of more than 100 Australian scientists from 10 different institutions across 12 research locations in most states. It also required industry collaboration and resources on an unprecedented scale: to breed, grow, slaughter, measure and evaluate some 12,000 pedigreed progeny at a cost of $32 million. The CRC has established and managed 2 new research facilities, including Australia’s premier cattle research feedlot facility ‘Tullimba’, near Armidale in Northern New South Wales. Total cash and in-kind resources invested in the first two successive terms of the Beef CRC amounted to $146.4 million. Most importantly, the Beef CRC integrated molecular and quantitative genetics, meat science and animal nutrition and health to understand the complex interacting forces that influence growth, development and beef quality to ensure Australia’s ability to guarantee the eating quality of its beef. |
 Planning for the Beef CRC’s scientific program commenced in 1991 and was a result of collaboration between scientists from CSIRO, University of New England (UNE), NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSWDPI) and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QLD DPI&F). The second term of the Beef CRC was completed in June 2005.The CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies commenced on 1 July 2005. Our focus is on genomics research and how it will influence cattle breeding and management technologies over the decades to come. |
