Australian Meat Processing

In collaboration with the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC), Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) has developed a suite of Australian Curriculum aligned lesson plans for Year 5-10 classrooms.

The Australian Meat Processing three-lesson unit for Year 9–10 classrooms explores the Australian red meat processing industry through real-world examples, focusing on the supply chain, food safety, and sustainability. Students engage in hands-on activities, systems thinking, and case studies to deepen their understanding of the technologies and innovations that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability within the industry.

To access additional primary and secondary red meat processing learning resources exploring industry careers, sustainability and technology visit Primezone and search for AMPC.

A number of images used in these resources have been supplied with permission from AMPC.

Lesson One | The Australian meat processing supply chain

Students will examine the supply chain of Australian red meat processing, focusing on the technologies, innovations, and key occupations that enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Lesson Overview

Activity 1.1 – Flowchart in reverse (30 minutes)

Activity 1.2 – Sustainability case study (45 minutes)

Activity 1.3 – Ordering the meat processing supply chain (45–60 minutes)

(Optional extension task) – Design challenge (120 minutes)

Prior Learning: Students complete the PIEFA food & fibre card game | the Australian red meat processing chain, using the step, technology and career cards.

Access Lesson one | The Australian meat processing supply chain here

Lesson Two | Safe Australian red meat

Students will learn how quality assurance and traceability systems are interconnected throughout the supply chain, with a focus on the labelling and packaging processes of Australian red meat. Through the application of systems thinking, they will explore how these systems ensure product quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards.

Lesson Overview

Activity 2.1 – What if…? (30 minutes)

Activity 2.2 – Traceability, quality assurance, labelling, and packaging rotations

(60 minutes)

Activity 2.3 – Systems Thinking for safe Australian red meat (30 minutes)

Access Lesson two | Safe Australian red meat here

Lesson Three | The sustainable supply chain

Students will learn how technology and innovation contribute to the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of Australia’s red meat processing industry.

Lesson Overview

Activity 3.1 – Sustainability and automation (30 minutes)

Activity 3.2 – Technology talks (60 minutes)

Activity 3.3 – Concept cartoon (30 minutes)

Access Lesson three | The sustainable supply chain here

PIEFA Food & Fibre Card Game | The Australian Red Meat Processing Chain (Year 7-10)

By participating in an engaging, hands-on card game, students will learn to sequence the supply chain of Australian red meat products from farm to consumer. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of technologies and careers involved in the processing supply chain.

Access the PIEFA Food & Fibre Card Game | The Australian Red Meat Processing Chain (Year 7-10) here

Access the Food & Fibre Card Game instructions here

Access the Food & Fibre Card Game Sheet

Access the Food & Fibre Card Game Box