The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework 2024 Annual update 

Presented by The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) Sustainability Steering Group

The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework ABSF was launched in 2017 to create a pathway of best practice for the Australian beef industry and track performance against a series of critical indicators aligned to the themes of best animal care, environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and people and the community. 

The beef industry is a good news story. Nutrient-dense Australian beef is an important part of a healthy diet, a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and other important nutrients essential for growth, development, and life in general. It is why the industry’s sustainability credentials are collated and communicated through the ABSF Annual Updates, so the good news can be shared by all. 

The 2024 Annual Update will, for the first time, provide evidence of industry’s progress towards the five beef sustainability goals announced in 2023. Hear from the Sustainability Steering Group as the industry highlights and challenges are presented, followed by discussions with supply chain partners on the impact of international reporting frameworks on their business, and how the industry is working to align these frameworks to our Australia production context resulting in the best outcomes for the industry and the environment. 

Date: Tuesday 7th May 2024 
Time: 7.45am – 9.15am
Venue: James Lawrence A
Price: $55+ online booking fee

Speakers announced soon!

Climate resilient beef businesses

Presented by Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 

Queensland’s beef sector already manages risks associated with extreme climate variability, with droughts, floods and other natural disasters. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of many of these kinds of extreme events, with potential shifts in rainfall patterns and production seasons.  

This seminar discusses climate drivers and opportunities to improve climate resilience.  The session will outline the services that are available to the beef industry, including assistance with business planning, identifying key business risks, assessing management options and implementing practices to cope with drought and other business challenges.  

A panel will discuss the Farm Business Resilience Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adaptation Program, the new Queensland Government drought assistance support packages (grants and loans) to prepare for and better manage their business during low rainfall years, as well as natural disaster resilience for the sector. 

Date: Tuesday 7th May 2024 
Time: 8.00am – 9.30am
Venue: James Lawrence B
Price: $55+ online booking fee

Speakers announced soon!

Don’t get bucked off by data – a simple approach 

Presented by Farmbot

What data is available to you? How it can this data be turned into value adding insights? How can you utilise these insights into everyday management?

During this session, Farmbot will bring together two beef producers and sustainability expert, Katelyn Lubcke, to discuss how they have successfully harnessed the power of data for precision management. They will share their experiences and offer actionable insights on the simple approaches to data usage.  

Learn how these insights can be seamlessly integrated into your everyday operations, leading to improved cattle health, efficient resources utilisation, management of natural capital and ultimately profitability.  

Date: Tuesday 7th May 2024 
Time: 9.45am – 11.15am 
Venue: James Lawrence A
Price: $55+ online booking fee 

Speakers announced soon!

Advancing Sustainable Beef – The compounding & permanent impact of feed efficiency and IVF 

Presented by Vytelle

Vytelle is bringing together researchers, industry professionals and producers to talk you through the benefits that feed efficiency and IVF technology can bring to the Australian Beef Industry.

Date: Tuesday 7th May 2024 
Time: 10.00am – 11.30am 
Venue: James Lawrence B
Price: $55+ online booking fee

Speakers announced soon!

Innovating Investment in the Beef Industry 

A Beef Australia International Seminar 

Join us for an informative seminar as our distinguished speakers delve into the dynamic landscape of beef industry investment, exploring the convergence of livestock, technology, and global trade. 

CEO of Fresh Supply Company David Inderias will examine the fusion of technology with macroeconomic trends within the livestock sector, evaluating the precision of past prognoses against actual developments. He will scrutinise the role of ESG initiatives, assessing their financial impact and potential for market transformation and help you anticipate regulatory changes with foresight into compliance expectations, providing a strategic overview for industry professionals navigating the complexities of the livestock trade. 

Chief Investment Officer of Impact AG, Bindi Turner will uncover the allure of Australian agricultural land as an attractive destination for both domestic and international investors seeking to tap into the emerging natural capital markets.  

Finally, CEO of Hewitt, Mick Hewitt, a seasoned expert and visionary leader will share his insights and experiences in natural capital investment, providing you with a unique perspective on alternative finance and investment opportunities available in the industry from someone who has successfully negotiated one of Australian agriculture’s largest and most innovative, industry-focused joint ventures. Mick will also be joined by one of their strategic investor partners. 

Date: Tuesday 7th May 2024 
Time: 11.45am – 1.15pm 
Venue: James Lawrence A
Price: $55+ online booking fee, Free for registered International Program delegates

Speakers announced soon!

High performance cultures and the impact for regional communities

Presented by Elders

This engaging and heavy-hitting industry panel, will discuss the elements and attributes needed to foster high performing cultures within our businesses and communities in our regions. 

The panel will explore the who, the what and the how, that high performing and thriving cultures can have in positively influencing and impacting the regions in which we work, live and grow. 

Elders General Manager QLD/NT, Lisa Hewitt, will be amongst a powerhouse panel of four incredible people, with the session being facilitated by one of Australia’s top journalists. 

Date: Tuesday 7th May 2024 
Time: 12.00pm – 1.30pm 
Venue: James Lawrence B
Price: $55+ online booking fee

Speakers announced soon!

Beef business & environmental management 

Presented by AgForce

Explore the pivotal role of managing grasslands and woodlands for both productivity and biodiversity, steering the narrative towards a ‘nature positive’ approach to beef production, in this insightful seminar presented by AgForce.

Facilitated by Aspire Ag Director, Ange Hutchinson, this seminar promises a comprehensive dive into the landscape of sustainable practices and industry advocacy.

After an informative opening session addressing the vital work AgForce is doing to support producers, Cattle Australia Director, Adam Coffey will provide a first-hand perspective on appropriate land management before Tom Marland of Marland Law dives into the crucial aspects  of land tenure and legislative changes, while also providing  some insights on the Environmental Report.

Dr Bill Ellis, Research Fellow of the University of Queensland, will then explore the co-existence of beef production and wildlife, covering the unintended consequences of unmanaged land, before Livestock Supply Chain Manager of Greenham and ABSF Sustainability Steering Group member, Jess Loughland, wraps up the presentations, detailing how the sustainability framework works with the supply chain, nationally and internationally, to promote the Beef industry.

This seminar will end with an engaging and interactive panel discussion and Q&A.

Date: Tuesday 7th May 2024 
Time: 1.45pm – 3.15pm 
Venue: James Lawrence A
Price: $55+ online booking fee 

Speakers announced soon!

Angus for every system – Breeding for profitability in northern Australia 

Presented by Angus Australia

With more large scale operations seeking out Angus genetics to complement their breeding operations and drive further genetic improvement, marketability and profitability, the Angus Australia Beef Australia 2024 seminar will take a deep dive into how Angus genetics are being utilised across these operations in traditional bos indicus areas, as well as focusing on how the use of Angus genetics in these operations is improving productivity and profitability.

Date: Tuesday 7th May 2024 
Time: 2.00pm – 3.30pm 
Venue: James Lawrence B
Price: $55+ online booking fee 

Speakers announced soon!