BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef networks conferences 2026 – program and speakers

Presenter: John Francis, Agrista

This session challenges wool and lamb producers to rethink how they view risk, costs and decision‑making after drought. It shows many businesses unknowingly play a ‘don’t lose’ game, avoiding mistakes rather than maximising long‑term profit, often leading to under‑production and missed opportunity. By distinguishing perceived risk from real economic risk, the session shows how the most profitable producers consistently generate higher returns through better feed utilisation, smarter stocking and investment decisions, and a strong focus on controllable business fundamentals.

Producers will leave with clearer insights into when spending reduces risk, which parts matter most, and how to make more confident, profit‑focused decisions without relying on better seasons or luck.

Presenters: Rick and Marni Luhrs, Mooralla Merino

Mooralla Merino is a multi‑generation family operation, and for Rick and Marni Luhrs the Merino remains the backbone of their business and of the Australian sheep industry. Through practical decisions and mindset shifts they have built resilience and flexibility to navigate seasonal and market swings.

After attending a BestWool/BestLamb conference, Rick set out to learn more, leading to a BredWell FedWell course and a renewed focus on the fundamentals, genetics, nutrition, and management. Armed with new skills and confidence, the Luhrs began reshaping their program toward a more flexible, dual-purpose Merino enterprise designed to perform in both favourable and challenging conditions. They’ll outline the changes in genetics, grazing and containment feeding, along with building a team and business structure that supports succession.

Presenters: Nick Linden, Agriculture Victoria and Tony Fleetwood, Wexford Pastoral Company

As more producers feed and finish lambs, the focus is on doing it efficiently – maximising growth while consistently meeting specifications. This practical session looks at how to prepare lambs, facilities and rations to adapt quickly and perform from the outset.

Nick will share current considerations for lamb finishing, drawing on recent research and key learnings as the sector has matured, with a sharp focus on getting lambs to ‘hit the ground running’. Tony will bring the producer perspective from years of feeding lambs, covering what he does consistently, what needs to stay flexible depending on season and markets, and the lessons learned along the way. You’ll leave with clear, actionable tips to improve set-up, early intake and transition, and finishing outcomes.

Presenter: Andrew Speirs, Meridian Agriculture

Drought can knock perennial pastures around in different ways, and recovery isn’t always straightforward. In this practical session we’ll look at the main stressors that drive plant loss, how to recognise when perennial grass survival is unlikely and what happens when multiple stressors stack up. We’ll discuss which grass species and subspecies are more (or less) likely to persist under different conditions, including the role of endophytes in perennial ryegrass and tall fescue – along with the trade-offs they can bring.

You’ll leave with clear, on-farm actions to improve persistence where you can, and a better sense of what’s outside your control.

Presenters: Bindi Hunter, Agriculture Victoria; Ken Solly, Solly Business Services, and Cory Collins, Barooka

This session will discuss the results of an on-farm demonstration that was conducted to piece together information about the impact of water quality on lamb growth. After 3 dry years of dams not refilling or flushing they were running low and water quality tests showed bacterial loads. At the same time, Optiweigh data flagged differences in lamb growth between paddocks, raising suspicion that water could be part of the story.

Five separate containment pens with 100 lambs in each were supplied with 5 different water types to measure the impact on lamb growth rate over 70 days. Water intake, feed intake and liveweight gain, alongside regular lab testing of water sources were measured. Optiweigh data provided in-pen monitoring. The results were unexpected, however, the learning for us all has been significant.

Presenter: Emily King, Australian Wool Innovation

This session will explore the findings of the Merino Lifetime Productivity (MLP) project (2015 to 2025), a collaboration between AWI, Australian Merino Sire Evaluation (AMSEA), ram breeders, and 5 sire evaluation sites.

The project tracked 5,700 ewes (daughters of 134 sires) across multiple joinings and annual shearings, generating over 2 million lifetime records. It addressed a key gap in Merino breeding: understanding how early-life selection decisions translate into whole-of-life productivity (wool, carcase, reproduction, and survival).

The project has generated an unprecedented dataset for the Merino industry. Analysis of this vast dataset has been assessed and findings now available. Insights from the project presented include putting an economic value on fat, the genetics of foot health and fly resistance, 2-stage selection for lifetime productivity.

Presenters: Jane Court, Agriculture Victoria and Matt Lieschke, NSW Local Land Services

In this session, we touch on the Victorian soil moisture probe network – and how some farmers are using the probes to make decisions to back up (or challenge) what they’re seeing in the paddock. Next, we look at Farming Forecaster, which provides localised soil moisture but also estimated pasture growth to show current conditions and the likely range of pasture availability over the next 3 to 4 months. These are provided with historic deciles to indicate how the season is faring compared to previous years. Matt Lieschke will walk through the dashboard and the 4 new Victorian sites, explaining how the tools can support feed budgeting and stock management decisions.

Presenters: Bill Mitchell, Optiweigh and Darryl Kitto, Jillett Farming Company

Turning data into better decisions is what separates good livestock businesses from great ones. In this session, Darrly shares how he uses real-time growth data from tools like Optiweigh to improve ewe lamb performance and make more proactive decisions.

Drawing on practical experience, from his own operation and the MLA Producer Demonstration Site project, he explains how setting growth targets and closely monitoring progress has helped him confidently join ewe lambs with improved reproductive outcomes. Learn how data driven management can boost productivity, improve efficiency and turn livestock data into practical actions that deliver stronger flock performance and better business results.

Presenter: Peta Bradley, Meat and Livestock Australia

Australia’s sheep industry has a track record of genetic progress – delivering measurable gains in productivity, profitability and resilience. This session explores how far we’ve come, the genetic gain already achieved across Australian flocks, and how these advances are translating into real‑world outcomes for commercial and seedstock enterprises today. Attendees will gain a practical overview of the latest tools available, from new traits and genomic technologies that make genetics actionable at the farm gate for all producers.

We will also look ahead, exploring emerging technologies, data integration and new ideas poised to shape the next phase of genetic improvement in the Australian sheep industry.

Presenter: Matt Dalgleish, Episode 3

Global conflict is no longer a distant headline; it’s shaping the day-to-day reality of the Australian sheep industry.

This session will connect global volatility to local outcomes, unpacking current supply and demand dynamics across sheep meat and wool and what they mean for pricing and market direction. It will examine processor conditions and how margin pressure and throughput are influencing procurement behaviour at the farmgate. Opportunities in premium lamb markets will also be explored, highlighting where value growth is emerging in export channels.

We finish with a forward outlook for lamb and wool prices, alongside a practical look at key input risks such as fuel and fertiliser, and how these could influence costs and supply chains if disruption continues.

Presenter: Grant Garey, President of the Australian Lot Feeders' Association, General Manager of Feedlots for Teys Australia

Over the last 10 to 12 years the number of cattle finished in feedlots in Australia has doubled to 1.6 million. Depending on the seasonal conditions, around 40% to 45% of the cattle processed are now grain finished. Investment continues with current capacity of 1.7 million head forecast to reach 2 million by 2027.

Grant will explain what’s driven the growth of lot feeding in Australia and where and when it will plateau? He will delve into whether there has been growth across the board or whether it’s been in specific segments. Importantly, Grant will share his thoughts on the market segments we can expect to provide the strongest growth in feeder steer demand and what customer and market dynamics are behind this.

Presenter: Jon Condon, Publisher, Beef Central

Beef Central provides comprehensive analysis of the feedlot sector covering current capacity and expansion plans, feeding profit margins and deep dives into aspects such pre-entry vaccination against respiratory disease.

Jon will tap into his network and tell us which feedlots are sourcing southern cattle, what sort of feeding programs they’re running, the carcase characteristics they’re shooting for and the cattle that best suit their requirements. He will share his findings on brand hierarchies and how feedlots class carcases into the different price points and whether there is a feedback loop to suppliers.

The session will provide insights into the carcase weights, red meat yield, marbling and MSA scores feedlots are aiming for, so we understand our customers’ needs.

Presenter: Jeff House, Jeff House Livestock P/L

The Beef Spectacular Feedback Trial began in 2010. It is hosted by Teys Australia at their Jindalee feedlot and sponsored by ACM. Over the last 16 years it has provided producers with benchmarking data on feedlot performance and carcase yield and quality.

Jeff House has been involved in the Beef Spectacular Feedback Trial since its inception as the trial analyst. He evaluates the entries, monitors feedlot performance and analyses the carcase outcomes. The trial provides comprehensive benchmarking, highlighting performance variations and opportunities for entrants to improve the value their steers deliver to Teys branded beef programs.

MC: Mike Carroll, Mortlake Better Beef Group

Panel: Grant Garey, ALFA; Jon Condon, Beef Central; Jeff House, Jeff House Livestock

Presenter: Jake Phillips, Phillips Livestock Solutions

Are EBVs just a marketing ploy for bull producers or can commercial producers use them to match their genetics to market specifications? Jake will draw on industry research to explain how carcase value traits such as weight, yield and marbling, and feedlot performance traits such as ADG translate to EBVs in the breeding herd. He will answer questions such as:

• What EBV maturity pattern delivers the ideal carcase weight?
• What is the relationship between growth and ADG?
• Is there a trade-off between ADG, carcase fat, red meat yield and marbling?
• How much marbling is enough?

Presenter: David Packer, Program Manager, Meat Standards Australia, MLA

How to drive more value from the carcase now and in the future. As Australian beef brands continue to evolve, it is important to understand the key drivers of value from the carcase, eating quality and yield. David will uncover how these are currently commercially applied and what drives improvement. He will also talk to what technologies and tools are on the horizon, some nearing commercialisation.

Presenter: Peter McGilchrist, Professor in Meat Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, UNE

Meat scientist Peter McGilchrist will explore where eating quality is heading and what it will take for Australian breeders, feeders and brands to continue leading the world in the beef‑eating experience.

While major gains have been made in marbling, Peter will examine other important drivers of eating quality, including red meat yield, shear force, age and how these traits are measured. He will provide an update on progress in eating quality EBVs and genomic selection, and discuss emerging science on fat composition and nutrient density, including whether diet and genetics can shift beef fat profiles toward healthier outcomes.

MC: Ed Gubbins, Mortlake Better Beef Group

Panel: Jake Phillips, Phillips Livestock Solutions; David Packer, MLA; Pete McGilchrist, UNE

Presenter: Sarah Strachan, GM of Research, Development and Adoption, MLA

MLA's Strategic Plan 2025 emphasises value-based marketing (VBM) as a core strategy, aiming to increase industry profitability by linking production traits – genetics, quality, yield, sustainability – to market signals, creating a 2-way data flow for better rewards and building brand equity through verified credentials.

Sarah will share MLA’s vision on how investment in this strategy will play out in the feeder steer market. She will also answer the question of who is going to tell the bottom half that they’re getting less for their steers because producers of healthy, high gaining, high yielding, high eating quality steers should be paid more.

Presenter: Charlie Perry, Trent Bridge Wagyu, Guyra

Charlie Perry runs the Trent Bridge Wagyu seedstock business on the New England Tablelands and is a past president of the Australian Wagyu Association.

In this session, Charlie will explain how he has worked with supply‑chain partners to address price volatility, volume uncertainty and beef quality through integrated, whole‑of‑chain agreements. He will outline the use of Wagyu Feeder Check on F1 steers, where genomic testing underpins grid pricing, program allocation and feeding duration. Charlie will also discuss profit‑share backgrounding arrangements and how shared risk and reward, supported by genomics, improves decision‑making and consistency from breeder to feedlot.

MC: James Knight, Mortlake Better Beef Group

Panel: Sarah Strachan, MLA: Charlie Perry, Trent Bridge Wagyu

Presenter: Lachlan McKenzie, McKenzie Ag

Lach brings over 20 years experience in ruminant nutrition, ration formulation and intensive beef production, working across a wide range of feedlots from large‑scale operations to boutique, high‑value systems.

With his own grass‑based beef enterprise in south‑west Victoria, Lach understands the challenges and opportunities of breeding and growing steers for feedlot entry. In this session, he will draw on both grazing and feedlot experience to explore how producers can set steers up for success, comparing low‑cost home‑grown fodder systems relying on compensatory growth with higher‑quality supplementary feeding post‑weaning to maintain strong average daily gain.

Presenter: Dr Brad Hine, former Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO now Extension Officer with Angus Australia

Dr Brad Hine is a leading researcher in beef cattle immune function and the development of ImmuneDEX, an EBV and genomic test for immune competence in Angus cattle. Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is the most significant animal health challenge in feedlots, particularly for southern Bos Taurus steers, with stress at induction increasing risk.

In this session, Brad will explain how genetic selection using ImmuneDEX can improve overall disease resistance, including BRD. He will also outline best‑practice on‑farm management through weaning, backgrounding and feedlotting, drawing on Beef CRC research into yard weaning and its impact on feedlot performance.

Presenter: James Sage, Thomas Foods International (TFI) Southern Cross Feedlot General Manager

Thomas Food Industries feedlot has capacity for 30,000 head with plans to expand to 40,000. The yard is now exclusively Angus fed for 150 days. Steers are purchased direct at entry weights around 450 kg. Most marble scores fall in the 2 to 4 range, with an average MSA Index of 64.5. Marble scores of 4 or higher go into a premium brand.

TFI exports to over 80 countries with a focus on high end food service customers. James will share the TFI team’s observations and experience on the factors that contribute to feeder steer performance including weaning and handling, respiratory vaccinations, entry age and weight and maturity patterns.

MC: Byron O’Keefe, Mortlake Better Beef Group

Panel: Lach McKenzie, McKenzie Ag; Brad Hine, Angus Australia; James Sage, Thomas Foods International

Presenter: John Francis, Agrista

Beef producers often define risk as weather, prices, or debt. However, evidence suggests mindset may pose the greatest risk of all. This keynote challenges conventional thinking around risk in beef production systems. It demonstrates how profitable beef producers generate superior results not by avoiding risk, but by using feed more effectively. Attendees will be challenged to think differently about risk in their business.

Presenter: Angus Gidley-Baird, Senior Analyst, Rabobank

Global markets are once again in turmoil with war in the Middle East causing disruption to energy flows and increasing costs. The Australian cattle market is not immune to these shocks, having to absorb the cost increases but also needing to understand the consequences they have on consumer markets around the world and what it means for the consumption of beef. More locally, high cattle inventory levels and seasonal conditions are having an impact on production volumes and cattle prices. How can Victorian cattle producers make the most of these uncertain times?

Presenter: Elle Moyle, Pathfinder Angus

Elle Moyle is a rural veterinarian, beef and prime lamb producer, and passionate advocate for practical, profitable livestock systems. Based in western Victoria, she works as a principal for one of Australia’s largest Angus seedstock cattle operations. Elle will share practical, first hand lessons from managing high-value cattle through the 2023–2025 drought in southwest Victoria. She covers tough decisions on destocking, early weaning, feeding, water and herd structure under pressure from rising costs and limited feed. With a focus on planning early, protecting core genetics and staying adaptable, this session offers honest insights to help producers build resilience, support recovery and make confident decisions in challenging seasons moving forward.

Presenter: Prof. Wayne Pitchford, Adelaide University

Wayne Pitchford began in animal breeding and genetics at the University of Adelaide in 1992 and is now Director of the Davies Livestock Research Centre. He will present some practical strategies to improve maternal productivity and efficiency. Maternal productivity is key to profitability of breeder herds. Implicit in a productivity measure is output relative to input, so more beef from pasture. The session will combine general information with clear take-home messages drawn from 20 years of research. The session will combine some general information and some clear take-home messages about key traits to focus on. The principles are applicable to sheep as well as beef.

Presenter: Fiona Baker, Agriculture Victoria

Fiona has worked for Agriculture Victoria in beef extension for 27 years providing guidance and advice, workshop development and delivery on beef related topics. Feed testing helps producers assess intake, performance and profitability. This session shows how to use fibre levels to estimate daily consumption, and protein and energy values to predict growth in young cattle. By valuing liveweight gain, producers can compare feed options and identify the most profitable feeding decisions across different ration choices. Practical tools support on-farm decisions using feed test results with confidence and clarity.

Presenter: Dr Craig Wood, veterinarian and National Business Manager – Dairy

Craig Wood brings extensive experience working with beef and dairy producers to manage pinkeye across varying seasons and systems. In this Craig session explores the key factors that drive outbreaks of pink eye and shares practical, on-farm tools to reduce risk. With a strong focus on prevention and early management, producers will gain straightforward strategies to minimise the impact of pink eye on productivity and animal welfare.

Presenter: Lachlan McKenzie, McKenzie Ag

Lach draws on 25 plus years in ruminant nutrition and feedlot systems to explore containment feeding of spring drop calves post-weaning. He compares lower-cost, home-grown fodder strategies with higher quality supplementary feeding to maintain growth rates. The session focuses on how feeding decisions influence pasture utilisation, animal performance and carcass outcomes, helping producers balance profitability, efficiency and longer-term system performance.

Presenter: Nicole Frost, Peak Pasture and Livestock

Raised on a farm in southern NSW, Nicole qualified in Agricultural Science from Charles Sturt University, later obtaining a postgraduate certificate in business.  She will define what constitutes a high-performing pasture, best practice establishment, considerations when selecting species and varieties, and how to maintain pastures in dry times so that they perform when the season allows. The session will conclude with some tips on how to overcome the most common limitations to achieving high performance.

Presenter: Dr Leah Tyrell, Mackinnon Project, University of Melbourne

Leah Tyrell is a veterinary consultant and researcher with the Mackinnon Project. This session shares key findings from a recent MLA project on managing liver fluke in high rainfall regions. Results reinforce the need for monitoring and strategic drenching. Leah will provide some practical recommendations that will help producers improve control, protect growth rates and reduce production losses.

Presenter: Nicole Frost, Peak Pasture and Livestock

Raised on a farm in southern NSW,, Nicole qualified in Agricultural Science from Charles Sturt University, later obtaining a postgraduate certificate in business.  Nicole will define a multispecies pasture, covering the scientific benefits for soil, plants and animals, including the advantages of multispecies in both dry and wet conditions. The presentation will also cover some considerations when planning, sowing, and managing multispecies pastures.