Among the speakers at this year’s KPCA conference are (clockwise from top left) Jackie Jarvis, Adam Coffey, Bradd Witt, Brad Hogg, Angus GIdley Baird and Trent Thorne.

The annual KPCA 2023 GenOffGrid Conference will take place on 12-13 October 2023 at the Broome Civic Centre, drawing in approximately 200 producers, industry experts, and influential stakeholders from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, as well as nationwide. With a speaking program featuring over twenty speakers, social functions and the conference dinner, the conference is poised to be the highlight of the year for the pastoral industry in north Western Australia.

Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association newly inducted CEO, Bron Christensen said the conference theme ‘Navigating New Frontiers’ will explore the transformative nature of the northern Australian cattle industry.

“Our expert line up of speakers will share their knowledge and insights around identifying opportunities and embracing change. We will look at resilience building to manage the diverse challenges which effect the pastoral sector and how we might tackle the domestic and international challenges which lay ahead of us,” said Ms Christensen.

Speakers of the event include the Honourable Jackie Jarvis MLC, WA Minister for Agriculture and Food; Dr Bradd Witt from the University of Queensland, Trent Thorne from Hamilton Locke, Michael Laurence from Meat & Livestock Australia, Angus Gidley–Baird from Rabobank as well as strong representation from producers from across northern WA. Cattle Australia’s Acting CEO Adam Coffey will also feature on the program, as well as a powerhouse line up of biosecurity specialists from DAFF and DPIRD, and finally, Australian Cricketing legend, Brad Hogg.

“The upcoming program for this year’s conference will prioritise key topics such as biosecurity, public perceptions, resilience building, mental wellness, and forward-thinking discussions on market trends and industry advancements” Ms Christensen said.

“The annual conference serves as the primary event for the industry, and the program has been carefully designed to address the most significant issues, challenges, and opportunities, both immediate and long-term.”

The conference has an array of social functions including the highly anticipated Elders Ladies Lunch, the inaugural Land Watch Australia Boots Off Bowls, as well as the Watertoque Welcome Drinks and the Red Range Stock Supplements Gala Dinner. These events provide an excellent opportunity for producers in the Kimberley-Pilbara region to come together, reconnect and reflect on what has been a tough year.

KPCA will once again be supporting two local charities this year as part of the conference, raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service WA and the Kimberley School of the Air.

Source: KPCA. Full conference program can be found here.