MLA’s corporate chef Sam Burke has an infectious enthusiasm for all things red meat, and the endless possibilities in how best to enjoy it when cooking a quick mid-week meal for the family, or a long weekend lunch with friends out of the smoker.

MLA executive chef Sam Burke plating-up during a beef cooking demonstration

Any reader who has attended one of MLA’s big industry events has probably heard Sam speak, or indeed eaten his some of his great food.

In this extensive Weekly Grill interview with host Kerry Lonergan, the larger-than-life character looks at the changing needs of red meat consumers as the world continues its recovery after COVID lockdowns; how lesser known cuts have gained considerable traction with food service and retail customers; how techniques like seam cutting are lifting carcase value; and the presence of plant-based meat substitutes in the market.

Previous episodes:

• McDonald’s global head of beef procurement, Andrew Brazier at BeefEX
• Water and dam construction advocate, John Cotter
• President of the Australian Cattle Veterinarians Association, Dr Tracy Sullivan 
• Independent meat and livestock analyst Simon Quilty
• Genetics innovator Tom Bull
• MLA’s research, development and adoption manager, Mick Crowley
• Andy Hearnden, executive chef with beef processor Kilcoy Global Foods in Queensland.
• Low Stress Stock Handling founder Jim Lindsay
• NT Cattlemens Association president David Connolly
• Kimberley Meat Co chief, David Larkin
• Beef Central’s man-on-the-ground in Indonesia, Ross Ainsworth
• Meat processing legend, Trevor Lee
• Working dog legend Frank Finger
• New Federal Agriculture Minister, Murray Watt
• Wagyu Association president and 2022 Zanda McDonald award winner, Charlie Perry
• Latest cattle market wrap with TEM’s Matt Dalgleish and Stockco’s Chris Howie
• Cattle Baron Peter Hughes
• ALFA president Barb Madden
• Author and rural identity Sally Warriner
• Australia’s chief vet Mark Schipp, on Lumpy Skin Disease and other key biosecurity issues
• Herron Todd White’s Tim Lane
• RCS’s Terry McCosker on carbon
• Beef processing plant manager Wasa Mudannayake
• Head of asset performance for Macquarie Group’s MIRA Agriculture division, including Paraway Pastoral Co, Jock Whittle
• Veteran beef industry leader David Crombie
• Beef Central’s regular live export market commentator and columnist Dr Ross Ainsworth
• Cattle market wrap with TEM’s Matt Dalgleish and Stockco’s Chris Howie
• Australian meat Industry Council’s Patrick Hutchinson
• Agriculture Minister  David Littleproud
• Council of Australia president Markus Rathsmann
• Patrick Warmoll, the boss of Jack’s Creek Wagyu
• Veteran pastoral company executive Roger Halliwell
• Retired non-packer beef exporter, Richard Rains
• Carbon trading expert Toby Grogan from Impact Agriculture
• Red Meat Advisory Council chair John McKillop
• Stud cattle showing identities Gary Noller and Rob Sinnamon
• Veteran Victorian cattle buyer David Ronalds
• Beef processing legend ACC’s David Foote
• Live export class action facilitator Tracey Hayes
• Signature Beef’s Blair Angus
• Consolidated Pastoral Co chief and Livecorp chairman Troy Setter
• Nutrition scientist and MLA board member Manny Noakes
• CCA independent northern and southern directors Alice Greenup and Olivia Lawson
• Australian Agricultural Co head Hugh Killen
• Sydney independent red meat retailer Stephen Kelly
• lotfeeder Charlie Mort
• Processor and supply chain manager, Terry Nolan
• Livestock transport operator Ross Fraser
• Organic supply chain manager Alister Ferguson

The Weekly Grill is brought to readers and listeners by Kelly’s Finance Group and Elanco Animal Health.