More than 500 delegates will gain insights into the shape of things to come for the northern beef industry when the annual Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association (NTCA) industry conference is held at the Alice Springs Convention Centre on March 26 to 27.
NTCA CEO Ashley Manicaros said over the past 36 years the conference has developed into a signature event in northern Australia and south-east Asia, and is predominantly attended by NT cattle producers and industry partners, Federal and NT ministers, and overseas guests.
The central theme of this year's conference is Towards 2030: Lead the Change.
"We chose this theme as over the next decade there will be many opportunities for the pastoral sector as well as substantial challenges.
"At this conference we want to identify and explore these opportunities and challenges and how we can benefit from or address them.
Mr Manicaros said to hone in on overarching theme of the conference the NTCA has invited a diverse group of presenters who'll question and challenge the thinking of attendees.
"In the Northern Territory some of the biggest changes being faced by beef producers relates to land tenure and its security.
"This year we are going to explore through Raelene Webb QC, the issue of native title. We hope that this will be the start of a broader national debate.
"Ms Webb is widely regarded in the native title space and we are keen to hear what she has to say."
He said Meat & Livestock Australia managing director Jason Strong will deliver the keynote address at the conference in which he'll talk through the industry direction and where the challenges facing the industry will be coming from on the path to 2030.
"Mr Strong has more than 30 years' red meat and livestock experience, knowledge and connections from the farm through to the end consumer in both domestic and international markets, so it'll be interesting to hear what his forecast for the future of the industry is."
He said Mark Textor co-founder and board member of Australia's only home-grown global research, campaigns and communications firm, the C|T Group, will give a presentation on the 'War on Meat', and jointly, Natural Carbons' Daryl Killin, and Consolidated Pastoral Companys' Jasmine Boxsell will present on herd methodology while detailing the beef herd management carbon method.
He said the conference is also when the NTCA holds its annual general meeting.
"This year is an election year in the NT so there will no doubt be some discussion around policy."
On the social front, the conference will kick off with the Future NTCA breakfast, during which Peter Hughes from the Georgina Pastoral Company will be speaking to the next generation of beef leaders.
From 11am on the same day the popular Philmac Ladies Lunch will take place, and in the afternoon close to 400 conference delegates are expected to attend the NTCA and Pioneer Tanks Welcome Drinks event.
After the jam-packed schedule comes to a close on the Friday afternoon, conference guests will slip on their suits and finest fashions for the NTCA and AACo gala dinner at the Alice Springs Turf Club.
"The NTCA conference is not just an industry event but an opportunity for many pastoralists to reconnect socially."
Mr Manicaros said the annual conference wouldn't be possible without its sponsors.
"We thank them for their continued support."
- For enquiries contact Annie Hesse on 0428 709 607 and visit the event website to book tickets, organise accommodation and to view the full conference schedule
