Australia hopes to convert tallow into more than 10-million gals. of biodiesel annually in a move to boost the long-term sustainability of its red meat industry. Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in July joined Midfield Meat International, Australian Meat Processors' Corp., and Sustainability Victoria to launch the initiative.

“This technology is great for profitability as it has the potential to take the volatility out of the tallow market by linking the value of tallow to international oil prices. This could provide a financial return greater than current average prices and put processors in a more financially secure position,” MLA board director Diana Day says.