CONSUMER expectations, animal welfare and the standoff between renewable energy infrastructure and food production will feature among the hot topics being explored at this year’s biennial BeefEx 2024 grainfed beef industry conference being staged in October.

The Australian feedlot industry’s premier conference is expected to attract more than 700 delegates from across Australia and overseas, and a full exhibition trade show from across the supply chain at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds from October 15-17.

Lotfeeders and other grainfed stakeholders can expect an impressive lineup of international and domestic speakers, sharing insights into markets, trade, environmental and sustainability regulations, artificial intelligence, staff recruitment, decision-making under pressure and more.

ALFA President Barb Madden said this year’s program will explore challenges and opportunities faced at feedlots every day, as well as big-picture, future-thinking ideas to challenge feedlot businesses and industry perceptions.

“There is something for everyone in the program and that’s without even considering the social aspects of the event and networking,” Mrs Madden said.

“Being a demanding and fast paced sector, it’s important to us that we provide people with a chance to learn about what’s on the horizon, facilitate connections and most importantly, put on a good show.”

Joe Kerns

Bringing a northern hemisphere view, European political scientist Professor Ralph Schoellhammer will share how Australian agriculture must be bold and innovative to secure its future, off the back of his experience working with the European agriculture, mining and energy sectors, while US intensive animal industries consultant Joe Kerns will provide insights into US commodity markets and supply chains through to operational sustainability, leadership and ownership of the things that matter.

The stand-off between renewable energy infrastructure and food production will be explored by retired energy infrastructure commissioner Professor Andrew Dyer. His 2023 review into community engagement illustrated the extent of the tension and Prof Dyer will draw on his experiences to counsel the grainfed beef industry about what it means to undertake community engagement in an effort to shift the needle of public sentiment.

During breakout sessions on day two, delegates will split into two groups exploring the topics of consumer sentiment and R&D.

In the consumer sentiment session, Pollinate research CEO Howard Parry-Husbands will share his views on the challenges faced by the beef industry, including commentary on how we might combat what the National dietary guidelines, while Hilton executive chef Gary Johnson and Superbutcher retail head Joel Giacomantonio share their insights from customer conversations and grainfed beef trends.

In the parallel R&D breakout session, latest data on enteric methane emissions of feedlot cattle will be presented by UNE’s Dr Fran Cowley, while University of Queensland’s Dr Sarah Meale will discuss reducing emissions of backgrounded cattle.

Later, Dr Melissa George from Bovine Dynamics will discuss findings of the partial feedlot covering research and what this means for industry, while outcomes from the  automated cattle  induction pilot study at Teys Charlton will be discussed.

A series of industry issues segments will explore progress on advancing matters relating to carbon, environmental credentials, water, animal ethics and other topics.

In addition to an information packed two-day conference program, BeefEx will include a bunch of great social events, and other familiar features including:

• Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award
• Excellence in Feedlot Education Medal
• Community Heroes Award
• Communicate your Research competition

Click here to access the full BeefEx 2024 program.

Early bird tickets are now available. register via the BeefEx website.