Registrations are now open for the grain fed beef industry’s premier technical event, SMARTBEEF 2019, to be held over two jam-packed days from 2 to 4 October at Dalby Events Centre on Queensland’s Darling Downs.
Presented by the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) under the theme of ‘Smarter, Richer Beef’, the program features a range of speakers, demonstrations and social events, designed to appeal to participants across the beef supply chain. SMARTBEEF 2019 kicks-off on Wednesday, 2 October, at 5.30pm with the Coopers Welcome Reception and celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS). ALFA President, Bryce Camm, said SMARTBEEF 2019 was being held in Dalby this year to celebrate the significance of regional communities that are integral to the industry’s sustainability.
“With a focus on working smarter, and always striving to produce better beef, the ALFA Events Committee has locked in an exciting group of speakers, along with a number of hands-on demonstrations of new-to-market technologies on top of a practical cattle handling demonstration,” Mr Camm said.
“The program will provide participants with practical ‘take-home’ knowledge they will be able to apply in their businesses.
“Indoor and outdoor exhibitions will feature, and the Heart of Australia Bus, sponsored by ProAgni, will also be onsite to conduct a full heart and health check for any interested registered attendees.” International keynote speaker will be Dr Leon ‘Sam’ Barringer of Diamond V Food and National Security. A highly regarded military veteran and ruminant health specialist, Dr Barringer will share his views on the importance of food security and its critical role within a country’s broader national security policy. Chef, author, TV presenter and ‘Hardcore Carnivore’, Jess Pryles, will discuss her passion for everything meat and how she has become a key global influencer in the food industry with a loyal band of over 97,500 Instagram followers tracking her moves. Originally from Australia and now based in the United States, Jess will also be guest chef at the Australian Community Media Conference Dinner on 3 October, preparing her renowned grain fed beef, slow cooked Texan barbecue menu for delegates to enjoy. Other highlights include a presentation from Virtual Farm Director, Tim Gentle, who will demystify virtual reality and explore the potential of this cutting-edge technology in Australian agriculture. Meat & Livestock Australia will showcase the latest research and development (R&D) into bunk scanner technology and automated feed delivery innovation in the outdoor cattle arena. A live cattle handling demonstration session will feature the latest in handling techniques with cattle provided by the Hart Family of Kerwee Feedlot, Stockyard Beef. The latest R&D findings into feedlot bedding will be presented by University of New England’s (UNE) Dr Fran Cowley, and Iranda Beef’s Tom Green will outline the commercial realities of choosing the right bedding. Delegates will be presented with a supplement fact check presented by Dr Brent Berry from Bovine Dynamics, who will delve into greater understandings of supplements. UNE PhD candidate, Cameron Steel, will discuss the link between environmental conditions and dark cutting – how hot and humid can lead to firm and dry. The hot topic of biosecurity and how lot feeders can protect their property legally and safely will be discussed along with what strategies and opportunities are available to the beef industry to ensure its own sustainability. Industry awards to be presented at SMARTBEEF 2019 include the Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award, Innovator of the Year, Communicate Your Research Student Competition, and Excellence in Feedlot Education Medal. Registrations for SMARTBEEF 2019 close on 16 September, unless sold out prior to that date. To register and view the full program, visit: www.smartbeef.com.au
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Event enquiries: Fiona Parsons, I'm On It Events, p: 0421 550 537, e: imonit.events@gmail.com