THE Australian Lot Feeders Association has lined up an exceptional array of international and Australian speakers for the grainfed beef industry’s premier conference, BeefEx 2018, being held in Brisbane next month.

The hot topics for the conference this year are big data, consumer trends, and beef industry economics, as well as a focus on markets, production, finance and leadership.

BeefEx will be held on 8-10 October at the Brisbane Showgrounds Convention Centre.

ALFA president, Tess Herbert said BeefEx always sought to attract speakers from Australia and overseas who could bring the latest in thinking and innovation, and make it real and applicable to lotfeeders’ operations.

The key note speakers for the event, focusing on Big Data, including Stephen Scheeler, founder of digitalceo.com.au and former CEO of Facebook Australia and New Zealand; Ted Connell, director, Global Industrial Sector Business Development and Solution Architect, Intel Corporation; and David E. Williams, senior vice president with Informa Economics IEG.

A jam-packed program will follow these speakers including:

Dr Stuart McCarthy, Managing Director, Manabotix

Working closely with the Australian red meat industry, Manabotix explores bespoke, fit-for-purpose, and commercially viable automation solutions. Stuart will outline recent success in potentially high-value outcomes for grain facilities based on perception and artificial intelligence technologies.

Christine Killip, Managing Director, Katestone & Weather Intelligence

Just how far have weather forecasting technologies come? Christine Killip will explore the advancements in weather intelligence that are helping to boost our understanding of how current conditions influence future weather events.

Daniel Terrill, Partner, Deloitte Access Economics Pty Ltd

Where would we be without feedlots? Daniel Terrill will critically analyse the important contribution feedlots have made to the Australian beef industry, placing the sector under the microscope through the use of economic modelling.

Dr Taya Clarke, Technical Services Manager, Westpork

Peering over the fence into the pork industry, Taya Clarke will offer her insights and experience working with Westpork in Western Australia and share with us her fascinating story about managing the Australian Pork Industry Quality Assurance Program and identify the synergies that lie between the animal protein industries.

Douglas Liebe, PhD Student, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech

What would happen if U.S. farmers stopped producing animals for food and all Americans went vegan? Some have called for a move in that direction to address increasing concerns about health, eating habits and climate change. Doug Liebe will discuss research completed by Assistant Professor, Robin White, who recently explored these questions.

Richard Fowler, Owner, Chlorofield Ltd

Richard Fowler

Synthetic food is being touted as a revolution in food production that could replace animal products. Nuffield Scholar and dairy farmer, Richard Fowler delves into this contentious issue facing our industry and considers the drivers behind synthetic foods.

Rachel O’Brien, Owner, Leadershift7

Working through the ranks of Flight Centre Australia, from a trainee travel agent in Adelaide to Executive General Manager responsible for $7 billion in turnover and 5,000 staff, Rachel O’Brien will share her story and provide valuable insights on managing people and delivering inspiring leadership.

Lisa Sharp, Chief Marketing and Communications Manager, MLA

Presenting an overview of consumer demand drivers, Lisa Sharp will explore the dynamic global trends influencing consumers, what is shaping their buying decisions and the resulting opportunities and risks facing producers.

In addition, the conference will have speakers addressing topics ranging from alternative finance options to antimicrobial stewardship, workplace safety, animal welfare and business mentoring. Click here to view the full conference program.

Registrations close in less than a month – click here to access the BeefEx 2018 website for more information and registrations. – beefex.com.au – to register and secure your spot at BeefEx 2018.