Australian Good Meat

Australian red meat - more than just good for you

Australia’s Good Meat is so much more than just good for you. The Australian red meat industry cares about our animals and wants to ensure they have a life worth living. We also care about the planet and having a positive impact on the environment, with the goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.

The truth about red meat

There are many myths around meat. Let’s see if you can sort the fact from the fiction…

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Is red meat bad for the environment?

Incorrect! This is a common misconception. Australian research shows that compared to other foods consumed in the Australian diet, the water and cropland footprint of Australian beef and lamb is low because their production is typically not reliant on irrigation and occurs predominantly on marginal land not suitable for cropping. 

Correct! Australian research shows that compared to other foods consumed in the Australian diet, the water and cropland footprint of Australian beef and lamb is low because their production is typically not reliant on irrigation and occurs predominantly on marginal land not suitable for cropping. 

Get the full story about meat and the environment
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Are Australian livestock treated badly?

Incorrect! Nothing could be further from the truth. Australian farmers care for their animals and want to make sure they are healthy and happy. Not only that, but animal welfare is a legal requirement and animal cruelty is a criminal offence in this country.

Correct! Australian farmers care for their animals and want to make sure they are healthy and happy. Not only that, but animal welfare is a legal requirement and animal cruelty is a criminal offence in this country.

Learn more about standards and guidelines
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Are Australian livestock given pain relief?

Correct!

Avoiding unnecessary animal pain is a major goal for the Australian red meat industry. Pain Pain relief is now legislated and enforced through penalties in several states. The development of effective and practical pain relief treatments means that important animal-husbandry practices can be carried out with the minimum of animal pain. The industry is aiming for 100% use of pain relief by 2030.

Incorrect!

Avoiding unnecessary animal pain is a major goal for the Australian red meat industry. Pain Pain relief is now legislated and enforced through penalties in several states. The development of effective and practical pain relief treatments means that important animal-husbandry practices can be carried out with the minimum of animal pain. The industry is aiming for 100% use of pain relief by 2030.

Learn more about pain relief
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Do cattle cause global warming and climate change ?

Incorrect! It’s certainly true that cow burbs contain methane – a greenhouse gas. But the fact is, this methane is part of a natural – or biogenic – carbon cycle, in which the methane breaks down into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water after about 12 years. Grass then absorbs the CO2 through photosynthesis, cows eat the grass and the cycle continues.

Correct! It’s certainly true that cow burbs contain methane – a greenhouse gas. But the fact is, this methane is part of a natural – or biogenic – carbon cycle, in which the methane breaks down into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water after about 12 years. Grass then absorbs the CO2 through photosynthesis, cows eat the grass and the cycle continues.

Learn more about cows and the biogenic carbon cycle
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Would land used for grazing animals be better used for crops ?

Incorrect! Australia is not only a huge country, it’s a uniquely harsh and challenging one. Much of the continent consists of semi-arid areas and extensive rangelands that simply don’t suit growing crops. In fact, only a small percentage of Australia’s land is actually suitable for crop production. This means that the 50% of Australia’s land mass (over 4.2 million square kilometres) used by the red meat industry is really only suited to livestock.

Correct! Australia is not only a huge country, it’s a uniquely harsh and challenging one. Much of the continent consists of semi-arid areas and extensive rangelands that simply don’t suit growing crops. In fact, less than 8% of Australia’s land is actually suitable for crop production. This means that the 50% of Australia’s land mass (over 4.2 million square kilometres) used by the red meat industry is really only suited to livestock.

Learn more about livestock and land in Australia
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Does red meat production contribute to water-scarcity ?

Incorrect! All food produced needs water to grow, but red meat has less of an impact on water scarcity than many other food groups, including cereals. In fact, the amount of water it takes to produce a kilo of beef has fallen by a massive 65%, thanks to a range of sustainable farming practices to conserve water.

Correct! All food produced needs water to grow, but red meat has less of an impact on water scarcity than many other food groups, including cereals. In fact, the amount of water it takes to produce a kilo of beef has fallen by a massive 65%, thanks to a range of sustainable farming practices to conserve water.

Learn more about red meat and water use
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Is red meat bad for your health?

Incorrect! While it’s true that too much of a good thing can be bad for your health, when it comes to red meat, maintaining current Australian red meat consumption in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines is the sure‐fire way to benefit your body – and the environment. Research indicates the red meat industry’s actions to support sustainable consumption of red meat in three to four healthy, balanced meals a week, combined with those that support sustainable production of Australian red meat, creates the ultimate win-win. A win for getting enough essential nutrients for healthy bodies and balanced diets for reduced risk of chronic disease, and a win for the environment.

Correct! While it’s true that too much of a good thing can be bad for your health, when it comes to red meat, maintaining current Australian red meat consumption in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines is the sure‐fire way to benefit your body – and the environment. Research indicates the red meat industry’s actions to support sustainable consumption of red meat in three to four healthy, balanced meals a week, combined with those that support sustainable production of Australian red meat, creates the ultimate win-win. A win for getting enough essential nutrients for healthy bodies and balanced diets for reduced risk of chronic disease, and a win for the environment.

Learn more about ideal serving sizes
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Do Australians eat too much red meat?

Incorrect! Consumption trends show that on average, Australians eat 57g of cooked red meat per day, which is in line with the 65g per day (or 455g per week) recommended in the Australian Dietary Guidelines as being good for your health.

Correct! Consumption trends show that on average, Australians eat 57g of cooked red meat per day, which is in line with the 65g per day (or 455g per week) recommended in the Australian Dietary Guidelines as being good for your health.

Learn more about how much meat you should eat
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Is red meat is packed full of essential nutrients ?

Correct! Red meat is naturally nutritious and packed with essential nutrients important for energy, immunity and the development and function of both brain and muscle. Whether you choose beef, lamb or goat meat, Australian red meat contains the 12 essential nutrients that are recommended for good health: protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorous, omega-3s, magnesium, selenium, riboflavin, vitamins B5 and B6.

Incorrect! Red meat is naturally nutritious and packed with essential nutrients important for energy, immunity and the development and function of both brain and muscle. Whether you choose beef, lamb or goat meat, Australian red meat contains the 12 essential nutrients that are recommended for good health: protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorous, omega-3s, magnesium, selenium, riboflavin, vitamins B5 and B6.

Learn more about the health benefits of red meat
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Does all red meat have the same high nutritional value?

Correct! Regardless of the cut or the cooking method, whether the beef, lamb or goat has been grassfed or grainfed all Australian red meat contains the same 12 essential nutrients recommended for good health. When trimmed of fat, Australian red meat has relatively low levels of saturated fat. Lean beef, for example, has on average 1g saturated fat per 100g raw weight, which is comparable to that of skinless chicken and fish.

Incorrect! Regardless of the cut or the cooking method, whether the beef, lamb or goat has been grassfed or grainfed all Australian red meat contains the same 12 essential nutrients recommended for good health. When trimmed of fat, Australian red meat has relatively low levels of saturated fat. Lean beef, for example, has on average 1g saturated fat per 100g raw weight, which is comparable to that of skinless chicken and fish.

Learn more about the health benefits of red meat

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SUSTAINABLE FARMING

HEALTH & NUTRITION

ANIMAL WELLBEING

Beef producers

Meet the Coffey Family

Breeding happy cattle in Miriam Vale, Qld.

Get the facts

From being a key part of Australia’s climate solution to its all-natural nutrients, here’s why Australian red meat is more than just good for you.

Red meat and carbon neutrality

The Australian red meat and livestock industry's goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030 (CN30).

Farmers care for the animals

Australian farmers personally care for their animals and work tirelessly to ensure they are healthy and happy.

On-farm practices

Australian farmers are committed to the humane treatment of animals in their care.

Red meat in a sustainable diet

To eat a sustainable diet, Australian research shows that all foods, including red meat, must be eaten in recommended amounts, and be sustainably produced.

“If you look after your land and your animals they will look after you.”

Charlie Blomfield Sheep Producer

Frequently asked questions

Is red meat healthy?

Red meat is an excellent source of protein, iron and zinc. These essential nutrients are important throughout your life as a means of staying healthy.

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How much red meat should I eat?

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend eating 130g lean, cooked red meat every other day, alternating between meals with smaller and larger portion sizes.

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Is red meat farming environmentally sustainable?

Australian farmers use a range of sustainable farming practices. These include managing emissions and water use, increasing biodiversity, creating energy efficiencies, reducing waste and implementing environmentally sustainable land management practices.

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How much water does it take to produce 1kg of beef?

It now takes 486 litres to produce 1kg of beef in Australia. Thanks to improved practices, that’s 68% less water than it took 30 years ago – and ongoing innovations are designed to reduce that even further.

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How are animals treated on farms?

Australian farmers work hard to give their livestock the best care possible, and follow best-practice guidelines .

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How are animals treated when exported live?

Animal wellbeing is critical during live exports and the industry has made big improvements in this area. To ensure the best possible treatment, 31 animal-welfare indicators are measured onboard livestock export vessels. These cover nutrition, environment, health, behaviour and mental state.

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