THE Australian Lot Feeders’ Association is proud to present an exceptional array of international and Australian speakers for the grain fed beef sector’s premier event, BeefEx 2018.
BeefEx is the grain fed beef industry’s major conference and will be held October 8 to 10 in Brisbane, Queensland. The hot topics for the conference this year are big data, consumer trends, and beef industry economics, as well as a focus on markets, production, finance and leadership.
ALFA President, Tess Herbert, said: “BeefEx always seeks to bring to the podium speakers from Australia and overseas who can bring the latest in thinking and innovation, and make it real and applicable to our members’ operations.”
The key note speakers for the event focus on big data including Stephen Scheeler, Founder, digitalceo.com.au and Former CEO, Facebook Australia and New Zealand; Ted Connell, Director, Global Industrial Sector Business Development and Solution Architect, Intel Corporation; and David E. Williams, Senior Vice President, Informa Economics IEG.
A jam-packed program will follow these speakers including:
Dr Stuart McCarthy, Managing Director, Manabotix: Working closely with the Australian red meat industry, Manabotix explores bespoke, fit-for-purpose, and commercially viable automation solutions. Stuart will outline recent success in potentially high-value outcomes for grain facilities based on perception and artificial intelligence technologies.
Christine Killip, Managing Director, Katestone & Weather Intelligence: Just how far have weather forecasting technologies come? Christine Killip will explore the advancements in weather intelligence that are helping to boost our understanding of how current conditions influence future weather events.
Daniel Terrill, Partner, Deloitte Access Economics Pty Ltd: Where would we be without feedlots? Daniel Terrill will critically analyse the important contribution feedlots have made to the Australian beef industry, placing the sector under the microscope through the use of economic modelling.
Dr Taya Clarke, Technical Services Manager, Westpork: Peering over the fence into the pork industry, Taya Clarke will offer her insights and experience working with Westpork in Western Australia and share with us her fascinating story about managing the Australian Pork Industry Quality Assurance Program and identify the synergies that lie between the animal protein industries.
Douglas Liebe, PhD Student, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech: What would happen if U.S. farmers stopped producing animals for food and all Americans went vegan? Some have called for a move in that direction to address increasing concerns about health, eating habits and climate change. Doug Liebe will discuss research completed by Assistant Professor, Robin White, who recently explored these questions.
Richard Fowler, Owner, Chlorofield Ltd: Synthetic food is being touted as a revolution in food production that could replace animal products. Nuffield Scholar and dairy farmer, Richard Fowler delves into this contentious issue facing our industry and considers the drivers behind synthetic foods.
Lisa Sharp, Chief Marketing and Communications Manager, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA): Presenting an overview of consumer demand drivers, Lisa Sharp will explore the dynamic global trends influencing consumers, what is shaping their buying decisions and the resulting opportunities and risks facing producers.
Rachel O’Brien, Owner, Leadershift7: Working through the ranks of Flight Centre Australia, from a trainee travel agent in Adelaide to Executive General Manager responsible for $7 billion in turnover and 5,000 staff, Rachel O’Brien will share her story and provide valuable insights on managing people and delivering inspiring leadership.
In addition, speakers will address topics ranging from alternative finance options, antimicrobial stewardship, workplace safety, animal welfare and business mentoring.
Registrations will close in under a month, so head to the BeefEx 2018 website - beefex.com.au - to register and secure your spot.
