National cattle event brings industry experts to Wagga

BEEF producers across the Riverina will have a rare opportunity to connect with some of the industry’s leading experts when a major national cattle event arrives in Wagga this week.

The two-day Cattle Connect event, hosted by Cattle Australia in partnership with Charles Sturt University, will take place on Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23, bringing together cattle producers, researchers and industry leaders from across the country.

With a focus on the challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s beef industry, the event will feature practical demonstrations, farm tours, expert presentations and discussions on the future of cattle production.

For local producers, it represents an opportunity to access national industry expertise without having to travel hundreds of kilometres.

Harden cattle producer and Cattle Australia director Elke Cleverdon is encouraging farming families throughout the region to take advantage of the event being held on their doorstep.

“We often travel considerable distances to attend national industry events. This time, we have one right here in our region,” Mrs Cleverdon said.

“Whether you are breeding cattle, growing out steers or running cattle alongside cropping, this is an opportunity to pick up practical ideas, ask questions and hear directly from people working on the challenges facing our industry.”

Cattle Connect’s inaugural producer day in Tamworth in 2024 | Photo: Eloise Moir Photography via cattleaustralia.com.au

From the paddock to the future of beef

The event will begin on Thursday with a field day at Charles Sturt University’s Equine Centre, where producers will have the opportunity to explore new technologies, farming practices and research developments.

Guided farm tours, exhibitions and live demonstrations will cover a broad range of topics, including cattle genetics, heifer selection, virtual fencing, soil carbon and low-stress livestock handling.

The day’s activities will conclude with the Regional Flavours Sundowner, providing an informal opportunity for producers to network with researchers, industry representatives and fellow farmers.

Cattle Connect 2025 | Photo: cattleaustralia.com.au

Cattle Connect 2025 | Photo: cattleaustralia.com.au

Attention will then turn to the broader outlook for Australian beef production on Friday, with a conference examining the economic, environmental and consumer trends likely to shape the industry over the coming decade.

Among the featured speakers will be international livestock genetics expert PJ Budler, who will discuss breeding productive and profitable cattle, and nutrient-density researcher Dan Kittredge, who will explore emerging research into the nutritional value of beef.

Discussions will also examine changing consumer expectations, industry pressures and opportunities for Australian producers in an increasingly competitive global market.

Cattle Connect 2025 | Photo: cattleaustralia.com.au

Connecting farmers with future industry leaders

A key feature of Cattle Connect will be its partnership with Charles Sturt University, providing delegates with access to the university’s commercial farming operations and agricultural research facilities.

The university’s Wagga farming enterprise spans approximately 1,600 hectares, combining commercial agricultural production with teaching and research.

Beyond the technical presentations and demonstrations, the event will also focus on one of agriculture’s most significant long-term challenges – attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled workers.

Charles Sturt University has more than 600 students studying agriculture, agricultural science and agricultural business management across its campuses.

Participating students will have opportunities to meet cattle producers, potential employers and industry leaders, helping to build connections that could lead to future employment, work placements and mentoring.

“For students, meeting the people who run farming businesses can open doors to placements, employment and mentoring,” Mrs Cleverdon said.

“For producers, it is a chance to meet enthusiastic young people who could become our future employees, advisers and industry leaders. Those conversations are an important investment in the future of beef.”

Cattle Connect’s inaugural producer day in Tamworth in 2024 | Photo: Eloise Moir Photography via cattleaustralia.com.au

A national opportunity close to home

With cattle production playing an important role in the agricultural economy of the Riverina and surrounding districts, organisers hope the event will attract strong participation from local farming businesses.

Mrs Cleverdon said the combination of hands-on learning, industry networking and forward-looking discussions made Cattle Connect particularly worthwhile for producers seeking practical ways to improve their operations.

“Time away from the farm needs to be worthwhile. Cattle Connect offers the chance to come home with a useful idea, a new contact and a better understanding of where our industry is heading.”

Cattle Connect will be held in Wagga on Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23.

Registrations are now open, with the full event program and booking information available through the Cattle Connect.