Here’s a snap shot of industry headlines making news relevant to members and producers generally.
Neogen Announces Sale of Genomics Business to Zoetis
On 4 March 2026, Neogen announced the planned divestiture of its genomics business, which includes products under the GeneSeek® Genomic Profiler™ and Igenity® brands, to Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company. Neogen advised the strategic decision represents a positive opportunity for Neogen’s Genomics business and for its customers.
Zoetis, headquartered in New Jersey, pioneers ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness, supporting veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners in over 100 countries. Zoetis brings deep scientific capabilities, operational scale and a long-term commitment to genetics and data.
Neogen and Zoetis advised they’re committed to conducting a smooth transition ensuring that there is as little impact on our customers as possible. More information regarding the transition will be provided as the closing date nears. In the immediate term, there will be no change to how genomics orders are processed.
Separately, in December 2025 Angus Australia launched Angus GenetiQ, its next-generation genetic evaluation platform developed over five years and piloted with members since September 2025. The decision to develop and launch an in house was driven by a desire for their members to have “an independent, breed-specific genetic evaluation platform that enables us to adapt to change and innovate as required.” Read more on the Angus Australia website.
Using AI to Increase Carcass Yield
A recent CA article highlighted the use of Artificial Intelligence in the Australian meat processing industry.
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) has supported the successful development of AI-driven fully automated robotic beef scribing systems at two Australian processing facilities, marking a significant step in the adoption of advanced automation in the red meat processing industry.
The technology, developed by Intelligent Robotics in partnership with processors Kilcoy Global Foods (KGF) and Australian Meat Group (AMG), has now been trialled under commercial conditions at both KGF’s Kilcoy facility and AMG’s Cootamundra plant in New South Wales.
Beef scribing is the first step in carcase breakdown and is traditionally one of the most highly skilled, physically demanding and safety-critical tasks on the processing floor. The AI-enabled system uses machine vision and robotics to identify cutting points and perform scribing with a high degree of consistency, removing the need for manual saws.
The trials have delivered both improved scribing accuracy and carcase yield, resulting in great feedback from customers.
Low Emissions Agriculture
The On-Farm Carbon Advice webinar series by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) explores practical opportunities for low‑emissions agriculture.
The webinars cover current policy work and research undertaken by DPIRD on low emissions agricultural opportunities. The recorded sessions cover:
- drivers of low‑emissions agriculture
- soil carbon opportunities
- low‑methane pastures
- low‑methane sheep and beef production
- nitrogen efficiency
- renewable alternatives to fossil fuels
- the role of biochar in farm systems.
