US industry analyst, Steve Kay, waving via Skype on screen at rear, pictured during a practise session for tomorrow’s virtual seminar with moderator Jon Condon, from Beef Central, and Beef 2012 conference committee member, Greg Leahy.

A series of ‘virtual’ seminars tapping into the knowledge and judgement of leading beef industry authorities from across the world will feature at Beef 2012 in coming days.

The series of web-based seminars will kick off this morning, Tuesday May 8, with leading US red meat market analyst and commentator, Steve Kay, publisher of the authoritative US Cattle Buyers Weekly.

Mr Kay will be beamed live into a Beef 2012 seminar room in Rockhampton, via Skype, allowing the audience to see him, hear his presentation, view his Powerpoint slides and allow interactive question-time at the conclusion.

Among a host of topics he will touch on are US domestic supply and demand, the impact of last year’s drought and the recent Lean Finely Textured Beef saga and how it has impacted on the US market. The fundamental message is that the shortage of lean beef in the US will present a significant opportunity for Australia in coming years, barring any adverse impact of currency.

The Beef 2012 web-based seminars concept, a first for any Australian beef industry event, was initiated by Beef Central, and will be hosted by publisher, Jon Condon.

Mr Kay will discuss important recent developments in the US beef industry, both as an important export market for Australian beef, and also as an export market competitor against Australia in other destinations.

The following morning, Wednesday, May 9, a similar web-seminar will be held, this time focussing on the exciting prospects, but equally significant challenges, presented by the EU high quality grainfed and grassfed markets.

Meat & Livestock Australia’s Brussels-based European region manager Jason Strong will present at the Wednesday seminar, via Skype, touching on topics such as the 25,000 tonne expansion in the EU grainfed quota, possible changes to the quota allocation system, declining beef production in the EU, and opportunities for Australian beef.

The last of the three web-based seminars, on Friday morning, May 11, will focus on the direction of commercial beef brands, and evolving brand claims and consumer expectations. The speaker will be David Thomason, former MLA domestic marketing manager, now a director of Certified Australian Angus Beef, the Seafood CRC and the National Egg Marketing board. Mr Thomason consults widely across the Australian foods sector.

All three web seminars will start at 8.30am sharp, concluding at 9.20am. Limited seating is still available.