TL;DR: Brad Robinson shared insights on developing Russia’s beef industry, emphasising integrated supply chains, international collaborations, and cultural initiatives to engage local communities, offering lessons for global competitors.
Students and young people involved in the industry recently learned about Russia’s fast-growing beef sector, an area not widely known on the global stage.
Brad Robinson shared his journey with university students at the Intercollegiate Meat Judging conference in Rockhampton. He detailed his experience abroad and its benefits to the Australian beef sector.
Brad and Hayley, his wife, worked in the US and then in Darling Downs feedlots before moving to Russia. There, they contributed to the development of two large-scale feedlots.
“Initially, the feedlot we joined managed 40,000 heads. By our departure, it had expanded to 90,000,” Brad mentioned.
By 2016, the company had around 400,000 breeders, showcasing a robust, integrated supply chain.
Development Amid Conflict
The Robinsons’ work in Russia was near Ukraine. Despite the war’s impact, the feedlot has continued to grow.
A Historical Effort
Post-Soviet Union, Russia’s beef industry was almost nonexistent. A government initiative in the mid-2000s sought to revive it, looking to the US beef production model for inspiration.
International expertise and genetics were essential. Companies like Miratorg and Prime Beef imported Angus cattle worldwide. From 2010 to 2015, Australia even sent live cattle to Russia.
“The business I was involved with imported around 200,000 Angus heifers,” Brad said.
Cultivating a Cattle Culture
This effort wasn’t just about beef. It aimed to stimulate the local economy, introducing advanced technology while addressing basic needs. The locals, despite lacking amenities, embraced these changes with humour and enthusiasm.
A rodeo, inspired by the American West, became part of the cultural shift, with Brad eventually introducing cattle showing to enhance engagement with livestock.
Lessons from Abroad
Returning to Australia, the Robinsons applied their global experiences locally, especially in lot-feeding practices and wet weather management.
“The rapid advancement of Russia’s beef industry offered valuable insights,” Brad concluded, highlighting the importance of understanding international competitors.
This story not only reflects a personal journey but also underscores the global interconnectedness of the beef industry.
