The Beef Industry Centre of Excellence was established in 1996 on the campus of the University of New England following the closure of the Regional Veterinary Laboratory. Under a Memorandum of Understanding, the Centre leases office buildings from the university and shares laboratory space and facilities.

In 2005, the Beef Industry Centre of Excellence became part of the Primary Industries Innovation Centre, a joint venture between NSW DPI and the University of New England, also involving the Tamworth Agricultural Institute and the Glen Innes Centre for Perennial Grazing Systems.