A STRONG international and domestic speaker lineup is being put together for next March’s Northern Beef Research Update Conference taking place in Brisbane.

The Northern Beef Research Update Conference (NBRUC) 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.

The conference will be held from 10-13 March.

Researchers, producers, extension personnel and industry stakeholders will come together to explore the latest outcomes of beef research, examine what’s working, and identify where further progress is needed.

The program is designed for all industry stakeholders, from people on-the-ground managing cattle through to someone analysing data in the lab.

Producers will have the opportunity to hear directly from researchers, challenge ideas, and shape future priorities. Researchers can share results and gain feedback. It’s an opportunity to build networks and relationships to help tackle the next wave of industry challenges.

In addition to keynote addresses, concurrent presentations will deliver bite-sized insights on key topics, and the event includes a top-quality social program.

Strong conference program

NBRUC assembles leading beef industry experts, researchers and innovators from northern Australia and beyond to share their cutting-edge research findings and practical insights.

While some speaking spots are still to be finalised, here’s a quick summary of some of those already locked in:

Derek Bailey, Deep Well Ranch, Arizona

From North America, Derek Bailey is the Director of Research and Outreach at Deep Well Ranch in Prescott, Arizona.  Deep Well Ranch is a working cattle operation as well as a research site for precision livestock management and grazing management. Dr Bailey worked at New Mexico State University for 19 years, and he is now Professor Emeritus in the Animal and Range Sciences Department. After growing up on a cattle ranch and farm in southern Colorado, he received his PhD in Range Science and his MS and BS degrees in Animal Science at Colorado State U.

Dr Bailey previously worked as a researcher for Montana State U and USDA-ARS in Oklahoma. His research interests include precision livestock management, rangeland cattle and sheep production, grazing management and animal welfare.

Richard Heath

Richard Health is the Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s largest Cooperative Research Centre, Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC. His extensive experience in the Australian agriculture sector extends across multiple high-profile roles including as Executive Director with the Australian Farm Institute, Associate Professor of Agronomy and Farm Management at the University of Sydney and Director at Nuffield Australia Farming Scholars.

Bron Christensen brings 25 years’ experience across beef, cotton, irrigation and rural health to her role as CEO of the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association. Raised on a mixed farming and grazing property near Theodore, Central Queensland, she and her husband now operate their own local grazing enterprise. Bron has held leadership roles with The Leucaena Network, the North Australia Beef Research Council, Theodore Water and Cotton Australia. She has also served on national boards and committees, contributing to the long-term viability of northern Australia’s beef industry and rural communities.

Why attend NBRUC?

• Connect with beef industry leaders and colleagues from across northern Australia
• Learn from experienced researchers about the latest innovations in beef cattle management
• Explore new technologies and solutions for northern beef production
• Build professional relationships at our industry networking events
• Celebrate excellence in northern beef research and innovation

Discounted earlybird registration rates end on Friday 19 December. Click this link to register and save.

NABRC medals nominations closing soon

Meanwhile, nominations will close on Friday week (19 December) for next year’s 2026 North Australia Beef Research Council Medals.

The achievements of leading figures who have demonstrated excellence in the production, research, development or extension of Northern Australia’s beef industry are set to be recognised through the NABRC Medals.

Awarded every three years in conjunction with the Northern Beef Research Update Conference, the medal presentation will be a highlight of this year’s event to be held in March in Brisbane.

The awards recognise individuals whose commitment to the northern Australia beef industry is acknowledged by their peers and industry, and who have demonstrated success in advancing the industry through production, research, adoption or extension

2023 saw the addition of a new Lifetime Achievement Award to the Medals program, celebrating an individual who has contributed to the north Australian beef industry in a variety of ways throughout their life, demonstrating leadership, encouraging innovation and growing the industry.  This award will continue in 2026.

2023 NABRC medalists, from right: Don Heatley, Home Hill; Jon Condon, Beef Central; Bernie English, QDAF; Col Paton, consultant; Chris Gardiner, James Cook University; Kylie Hopkins, QDAF Click on image for a larger view

NABRC Chair Paul Burke said the Medals provided a valuable way for the industry to recognise and thank those who work tirelessly for the northern Australia beef industry.

“Those nominated for the producer, researcher or extension awards are only the tip of the people advancing our industry – our industry is blessed with a range of qualified, experienced and passionate people from all facets of the supply chain, who make a difference to the productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability of the northern Australia beef industry on a daily basis,” Mr Burke said.

“However, the nomination process and the presentations of the NABRC Medals provides an opportunity to recognise those who have gone over and above in their dedication and pursuit of excellence for the industry.”

Medal recipients will be announced at NBRUC’s Conference Dinner at the Voco Brisbane on Wednesday 11 March. Nominees can self-nominate or be nominated by their peers.

Nomination details can be accessed here, or obtained from Jackie Kyte – jackie@jackiekyte.com.au