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BeefEx 2020, World Angus Forum join COVID-19 casualty list

Beef Central, 30/04/2020

MORE large beef industry events have been cancelled or postponed this week, in the wake of the restrictions placed on large gatherings and travel brought on by coronavirus.

The Australian Lot Feeders Association this afternoon postponed its BeefEx 2020 industry event, until October next year, while the World Angus Forum has now been indefinitely postpone its event, originally scheduled for April next year.

Australian Lot Feeders Association president Bryce Camm said the difficult decision to postpone this year’s BeefEx was made due to the current limitations on mass gatherings and the uncertainty of when such restrictions would be lifted.

The decision was regarded in the best interests of the feedlot community and, while unfortunate, provides the opportunity for an even bigger industry celebration once the pandemic passes, he said.

“ALFA and its events committee put an immense effort into organising the pinnacle grainfed beef event, BeefEx. Our decision to postpone was a hard one, but necessary in the current circumstances,” he said.  “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our members, sponsors and stakeholders for their support, patience and understanding at this time.”

ALFA remained dedicated to supporting the feedlot community with events and training opportunities. While face-to-face events are not currently possible, it looked forward to relaunching its events program once government restrictions are lifted.

Sam Barringer

In the meantime, ALFA has scheduled the first in what may become a series of webinars on relevant industry topics.   In a follow-up from his successful keynote address at SmartBeef 2019 last year, Colonel Sam Barringer from the US will be guest speaker in a webinar on food and national security scheduled for Tuesday 12 May. Click here for details.

Despite the BeefEx postponement, ALFA also announced that the its Recognition of Excellence Program will be continuing through 2020, albeit in a modified format.

Mr Camm said that, as a source of industry optimism and pride, it was important that the ALFA Recognition of Excellence program continued through the unusual conditions the country currently faces.

“While the current situation has been challenging for the nation and our citizens, it is important to recognise that our feedlot community continues to operate and produce high quality grainfed beef for consumers at home and around the world,” Mr Camm said.

“It remains important that personal and business success is recognised in the feedlot sector. While the awards program and processes will look a little different in the current environment, we look forward to celebrating our people and their achievements.”

World Angus forum called off

Meanwhile, the World Angus Forum Organising Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 World Forum, originally scheduled to be held in Australian in April next year.

Organising committee chair Mark Gubbins said that given the uncertainty around the timing of the recovery from the pandemic, and the expected continued impact on international travel into next year, the committee believed that it was best to postpone the event to a later date when the global Angus community could participate.

A decision has not yet been made on the timing of a rescheduled event and at this stage the forum organising committee is exploring all options.

Angus Australia president Brad Gilmour said his members looked forward to announcing a rescheduled date for the World Angus Forum in coming months, so that the global Angus community could still come together in Australia to celebrate an even better event than originally planned.

“Angus Australia appreciates the hard work done by the World Angus Forum Organising Committee, and the ongoing support provided by the sponsors and Angus community in preparing for the Forum. We are committed and determined to reap the rewards from this effort by conducting a memorable global event in the future, when the impact of the pandemic has eased,” Mr Gilmour said.

 

Sources: ALFA, Angus Australia

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