JBS Pork Australia invests $38 million at Huntly, Victoria

The Hon Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria, and Lisa Chesters MP, Federal Member for Bendigo, visited JBS Pork Australia’s Huntly farm site today to see first-hand the results of a $38 million investment in the heartland of their electorates.

JBS Pork Australia timed the visit to officially announce the completion of a two-year project to build brand-new housing for their breeding herd with the sheds measuring 25,000 m2 total in size.

The new facility represents a significant expansion of JBS Pork Australia’s farming capability and delivers a range of benefits that improve animal welfare outcomes, strengthen biosecurity and support growth across domestic and global markets hungry for high-quality Australian pork.

It’s the largest upgrade in the history of the site, which was established in 1963 and is one of the country’s most important pork producers, contributing 5% of Australia’s fresh pork supply.

The state-of-the-art, climate-controlled features of the new facility enhance the safety and wellbeing of the 57 staff employed at the site, whilst the ventilation infrastructure and modern housing and animal handling facilities ensure pig welfare and care is optimised.

Environmental stewardship was also central to the facility design, with upgraded systems for effluent, water and air quality management that will reduce odour, improve nutrient recycling and minimise environmental impacts.

Looking ahead, JBS Pork Australia is planning to invest a further $50 million to replace older sheds, upgrade effluent systems and explore the potential use of biogas systems to generate renewable energy, reduce odour and cut CO2 emissions.

In addition, JBS Pork Australia is investing $58 million at its Laverton Pork Processing Facility, in Melbourne, to build a state-of-the-art value-added room and a porcine rendering plant.

These investments reinforce JBS Pork Australia’s broader commitment to investing in its assets and in regional communities, complementing the Company’s extensive investment program across Victoria and New South Wales, including the $400 million Corowa Pork Farm Development that is currently in progress.

JBS Pork Australia Chief Operating Officer Edison Alvares said, this investment is about future-proofing Australia’s pork supply while delivering real and lasting benefits for regional communities.

“We’re delivering a cleaner, safer and more sustainable operation that improves the way we care for our people, our animals and the environment around us. This project also demonstrates our commitment to working with local farmers, contractors and suppliers, and to continuing to operate as part of the wonderful Bendigo community. We remain committed to ongoing investment, innovation and continuous improvement right here in the Bendigo region.” Our focus is on building a modern, resilient and responsible pork farming business that continues to create value and make a difference for regional communities and for Australia,” Mr. Alvares said.

Premier Jacinta Allan said, that the Victorian Government welcomes this investment from JBS Pork Australia as a vote of confidence in the region and the state’s diverse and dynamic agricultural sector.

“This project shows what’s possible when industry backs regional Victoria.JBS Pork Australia’s investment is supporting local jobs, strengthening the Bendigo region’s economy and positioning our state as a leader in sustainable, high-quality pork production,” Premier Allan said.

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said, this expansion reinforces the region’s role in national food production and it’s pleasing to see JBS invest in sustainable growth in its own pork farming operations.

“For more than six decades, Huntly farms have contributed to Australia’s food security, and today’s announcement from JBS Pork Australia ensures it will continue to play that role well into the future. The investment is also helping to create and secure local jobs,” Ms. Chesters added.