Meet the Steering Group: Scott Strachan

Caption: Scott Strachan

 

For Scott Strachan, sustainability starts in the paddock and must hold up on the balance sheet. That practical perspective now informs his role on the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) Steering Group.

 

As Head of Sustainability and Environment at Harvest Road Group, Scott works across large-scale cattle operations in WA. He holds a PhD in environmental science from Murdoch University and spent several years in academia before moving into agribusiness – a move driven by a desire to see science applied in real production systems.

 

“I really enjoy that intersection between the environment and agriculture,” Dr Strachan said.

 

“Having productive landscapes, but at the same time looking after your environment, is something I am very passionate about.”

 

A practical view of sustainability

Scott defines sustainability in operational terms.

 

“True sustainability is a holistic view,” he said.

 

“It is the environment, the animals, the people and the financial sustainability of the business.

 

“It means the operation is still running in 100 years. You haven’t degraded the land. You’re still productive and you haven’t gone broke.”

 

For producers, that definition centres on longevity. Sustainability is not separate from business performance, it underpins it. It is about maintaining land condition, supporting animal welfare, retaining skilled people and remaining financially viable over time.

 

Scott has been involved with the ABSF for several years through its consultative committee. Joining the Steering Group, he said, provided an opportunity to contribute at a national level and represent WA’s diverse production systems in broader industry conversations.

 

Using data to drive improvement

One of the key strengths of the ABSF, Scott believes, is its robust use of data.

 

“I like the fact that you have the data available to benchmark your business or operations,” he said.

 

“It shows where you are going well, but also where there are improvement opportunities.”

 

For producers, benchmarking supports informed decision making and helps prioritise practical improvements on farm. At an industry level, aggregated data plays a critical role in demonstrating progress to customers, supply chain partners and the wider community.

 

Scott is also strongly motivated by the need to communicate what producers are already doing.

 

“Producers fundamentally want to look after the land, the animals and the people around them, many sustainability practices are embedded in day-to-day operations but are not always recognised outside agriculture”.

 

Through his role on the Steering Group, Scott hopes the ABSF continues to capture both the data and the stories that reflect this commitment.

 

For Scott, the value of the Framework ultimately lies in evidence.

 

“It’s about producing good food while looking after the environment and the people involved,” he said.

 

“That’s what sustainability should be.”