THE upcoming Northern Australian Beef Research Update Conference has secured prominent meat and livestock industry identity David Foote as one of the event’s keynote speakers this year.
Mr Foote has held operational, senior and executive management and industry representation roles across the beef industry for the past 40 years.
David Foote
As chief executive he had a senior leadership and developmental role with the Lee family’s Australian Country Choice Group, overseeing 42 properties spanning 1.75 million hectares and supporting 280,000 cattle. During his 21 years with the company, ACC became the world’s largest privately owned vertically integrated beef operation.
Earlier he spent some years with Stanbroke Pastoral Co in senior management positions.
In 2023 Mr Foote was elected the inaugural president of the new grassfed cattle producer representative body, Cattle Australia. He continues to sit on a number of boards in businesses closely connected with agriculture and the beef industry.
The Northern Beef Research Update Conference returns in 2026 with the theme ‘From Research to Results: Driving Paddock Performance’, focusing on how R&D translates into on-ground impact across northern Australia’s beef industry.
Researchers, producers, extension personnel and industry stakeholders will come together in Brisbane from 10-13 March to explore the latest outcomes of beef research, examine what’s working, and identify where further progress is needed.
Derek Bailey
Other prominent speakers this year will include Derek Bailey, director of research and outreach from Deep Well Ranch (Arizona, US) who will cover the use of data and technology in delivering better research results.
The two-day conference program unfolds over 11-12 March ( Click here to access program).
Producers attending the event will have the opportunity to hear directly from researchers, challenge ideas, and shape future priorities. Researchers can share results and seek feedback, with an opportunity for all stakeholders to build networks and relationships to help tackle the next wave of industry challenges.
In addition to keynote addresses, the concurrent presentations will deliver bite-sized insights on key topics including vaccines, reproductive performance, environmental management, methane, refining R&D strategy, driving practice change, decision-making tools, pasture management, and managing stressors for improved productivity and sustainability.
Through the program there will be plenty of opportunities to connect during a top-quality social program.
The event will also act as a salute to the industry’s high achievers, with the awarding of the 2026 NABRC medals across five categories for research, extension, production, young achiever and lifetime achievement. The awards will be presented during the NABRUC dinner on 11 March.
Medals are awarded every three years in association with the Northern Beef Research Update Conference.
Click here for conference website and registration. Early bird registrations close 30 January.