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Cattle Connect 2026 program unveiled, giving producers a voice in the future of the industry

Cattle Connect 2026 program unveiled, giving producers a voice in the future of the industry.

17 September 2026

WAGGA WAGGA, NSW – Cattle Australia has released the draft program for Cattle Connect 2026, the national cattle industry’s flagship conference, to be held on 22–23 October at Charles Sturt University’s Wagga Wagga campus.

Built around the theme Shaping Tomorrow: Innovation. Leadership. Action., the two-day event will bring producers, industry leaders, researchers, government and commercial partners together to discuss the people, products and pressures shaping the future of Australian beef.

Now in its third year, Cattle Connect will for the first time be hosted on a working agricultural university campus, giving delegates exclusive access to Charles Sturt University’s 2,000-hectare commercial farming enterprise and agricultural research facilities — where teaching, research and commercial production operate side by side.

Confirmed speakers include international livestock genetics expert PJ Budler, who will challenge producers to rethink what makes a truly productive and profitable animal, and soil scientist Dr Susan Orgill, who will explore the relationship between soil health, pasture performance and livestock productivity.

The program also features keynote speaker Dan Kittredge, a nutrient-density researcher, exploring the emerging science behind the nutritional value of beef – a session Mr Evans said reflected the next stage in the industry’s product story.

“We’ve invested a lot into our eating quality, and now we’re looking at the next frontier,” Mr Evans said.

“Working from real market demand and responding to genuine consumer signals – is critical to that work. That includes unlocking beef’s story in relation to nutrient density and getting ahead of the rest of the world.”

Cattle Australia CEO Will Evans said the event had been designed to deliver practical value for producers.

“The best industry events don’t just tell producers what’s happening, they show them how it is being applied on farm,” Mr Evans said.

“Cattle Connect has been designed to help producers get more value from their time away from the farm. Delegates will have the opportunity to see technology operating in a real production environment, visit working agricultural enterprises and have direct conversations with the people driving innovation across the beef industry.”

“It’s about taking ideas off the page and into practice,” he said.

Charles Sturt University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Neena Mitter said the partnership showcased the University’s strong connection with industry.

“Charles Sturt University is proud to open its gates to producers from across Australia and showcase the practical teaching, research and commercial agriculture activities that take place here every day,” Professor Mitter said.

“Wagga Wagga sits at the heart of one of Australia’s most significant agricultural regions, making it an ideal location to bring together producers, researchers and industry leaders to share ideas and practical solutions.”

One of the program’s feature sessions, What Takes Us Forward. What Pushes Us Back., will bring together industry and producer voices for a candid conversation on the opportunities and headwinds facing the sector – from demand and innovation through to activism, consumer and market pressures, and industry fragmentation.

Other sessions in the program include a Meat & Livestock Australia update and panel discussions covering the state of play across the industry, shifting consumer demand and the decade ahead.

Day One, at the Equine Centre on Thursday 22 October, takes a hands-on format, with presentations on the RABO stage, guided field tours and live demonstration arenas running throughout the day. Sessions range from genetics, heifer selection and soil carbon to virtual fencing technology and low-stress stock handling, alongside dedicated time for delegates to network, connect with industry partners and visit exhibits. The day concludes with the Regional Flavours Sundowner, where delegates will connect with speakers, exhibitors, researchers and fellow producers while celebrating regional food, beef and produce.

Full program details, including confirmed speakers and session times, see here. Registrations for Cattle Connect 2026 are now open — for program information and registrations, visit the official Cattle Connect website.

Cattle Connect 2026 will be held at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, on 22-23 October 2026.

Registrations are now open.

For program information and registrations visit the official Cattle Connect website.

EVENT DETAILS

Cattle Connect 2026

When: 22-23 October 2026
Where: Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW
Theme: Shaping Tomorrow: Innovation. Leadership. Action.
Day One: Field demonstrations, agricultural site tours and Regional Flavours Sundowner
Day Two: Conference program and industry speakers

ENDS

Media contact: gmca@cattleaustralia.com.au 

Notes to editors – About Cattle Connect  

Cattle Connect 2026 is a two day national beef industry event combining a field day and exhibition with a conference and speaker program, presented by Cattle Australia and hosted by Charles Sturt University

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Will Evans

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Will Evans brings extensive leadership, advocacy and policy experience to the role of Cattle Australia CEO. 

Prior to joining CA in July 2025, he held the role of CEO of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association.

Prior to leading the NTCA, Will held industry positions in the areas of policy development with the former Cattle Council of Australia and for the Northern Territory Live Exporters Association.

Garry Edwards

Managing Director and CEO, Maureen Pastoral Company

Garry is the Chair of Cattle Australia, representing 52,000 beef producers and a $20+bn industry, an industry that is Australia’s largest land manager.

He was born and raised on a commercial beef cattle property near Stroud, south of Gloucester in New South Wales.

Garry has personal cattle production interests in this region today as well as his corporate role as the Managing Director and CEO of AAM, a business that has a significant focus in continuing to expand beyond our cattle production interests in Central West NSW, near Forbes and Bective Station near Tamworth, NSW.

With over 30 years’ experience in large scale livestock production management within the Australian agribusiness sector. His experience spans across a vast array of areas of the agricultural supply chain and includes managing businesses involved in livestock breeding, growing and finishing, financing of agricultural projects, implementation of precision agriculture practices, investigation and implementation of sustainability and innovation initiatives and developing and operating integrated agricultural businesses.

In 2007, Garry founded the company that today is AAM, commencing the development, operation and management of a portfolio of agricultural assets valued at ~$1 billion and he and his wife remain the major shareholders of AAM.

Garry has a unique skill set across multiple facets of the livestock supply chain, from production through to finishing, and processing as well as a unique perspective of the challenges facing all livestock producers within Australia.

George King

Managing Director, The Whitney Pastoral Co and Manager, "Coombing Park"
George is a seventh generation Australian farmer, currently managing his family property which they have held since 1880. George operates an Angus breeding and finishing operation joining 1,500 cows per year, with a low-cost model turning off steers at feeder weights and direct sales of females.

George has long been on a regenerative agriculture path as it was the only way he could see to renovate their property 25 years ago without employed equity or working capital, which at the time they didn’t have. He continues with this model as it provides outstanding cost containments, continued production and profitability.

George is married with four (4) children, Harry 24, Emma 22, Dave 15 and Tom 13. He also enjoys flying and has his pilot’s license.

George is also a Founding Director of The Wellness House and a Founding Director of ONFARM CO. He has a strong voluntary involvement with his community including as the NSW Rural Fire Services Senior Dept Capt. and Chairman of St Paul’s Carcoar.

Bryce Camm

Grazier, camm agricultual group

Bryce Camm hails from Dalby in Queensland’s Darling Downs region where he oversees his family’s company Camm Agricultural Group; an integrated beef and cropping enterprise with interests across Queensland.

Bryce has been CEO of the group for the past eight years. Prior to that he was the Manager of the group’s award winning Wonga Plains Feedlot for eight years where he oversaw the operation triple in size. Growing up on “Natal Downs” Station in north Queensland Bryce undertook a dual degree in Business Administration and Communications at Bond University and is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program as well as the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

Bryce is currently the Chairman of Beef Australia Ltd and the Immediate Past President of the Australian Lot Feeders Council, as well as a previous Director of the Red Meat Advisory Council. 

Elke Cleverdon

FAICD, FCPA, MBA

Elke Cleverdon is an experienced non-executive director and long-term cattle producer from Harden in regional NSW. 

As Joint Owner & Director of Cleverdon Agriculture since 1993, she has managed a self-replacing Black Angus herd, raising and trading cattle with her family. Her deep connection to the land ensures she brings a genuine producer perspective to national industry leadership.

Elke has chaired Cattle Australia’s Audit & Risk Committee for the past three years, strengthening governance, financial accountability, and member confidence during a critical stage of the organisation’s development. She is passionate about ensuring producers have a strong, credible voice and that their interests are advanced in a fair, profitable, and sustainable supply chain.

Her professional background includes more than 16 years in executive leadership in customer-owned banking and eight years as a rural financial coach, supporting farming businesses across NSW. She has also been recognised nationally through the National Farmers’ Federation Diversity in Ag Leadership program.

Elke currently serves as a non-executive director with Horticulture Innovation Australia, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (NSW Health), and SWS Bank. She is a Fellow CPA, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds a Master of Business Administration.

Elke brings critical thinking, strong financial and risk management skills, and a passion for strategy and sustainability. She is committed to advancing the long-term interests of Australia’s cattle producers by ensuring Cattle Australia remains a trusted, effective, and transparent advocate for the industry.

David Foote

Director - Tandarra Partners

Nominated by: Peter Hall, Troy Setter, Bryce Camm, David Hill, Adam Coffey 

For the past 45 years, David has held rural property management, executive and senior management positions across all mainland states in areas of; beef cattle & sheep breeding, growing and lot feeding, meat retailing, small seed growing, irrigated fodder, and the further processing and exporting of primary products such as meat, grain and fodder.

His export experiences which started in 1989 included a role with Stanbroke Pastoral Company to help develop Stanbroke’ s Live cattle export program. Additionally, David managed the integration of Bottle Tree feedlot grain feeding in the production system while developing and launching their now globally recognised Diamantina beef brand.

David has been in a leadership role at the Lee Family’s, Australian Country Choice group of Companies since 1999 and progressed in that time from General Manager Properties & Livestock to Group Managing Director until stepping back in December 2020 from a full time role to a strategic advisory and board role.

Headquartered in Brisbane and employing over 1,400 staff across 42 operations, Australian Country Choice (ACC) operates Australia’s largest vertically integrated beef supply chain; encompassing cattle breeding, cattle growing and feedlotting to supply its integrated food processing facility in Brisbane that incorporates beef slaughter, beef boning, value-adding and case ready beef packing.

ACC’s cattle property portfolio of around 4 million acres in Queensland & NSW encompasses operations from the Barkly Tableland, CQ coalfields, Carnarvon ranges, Augathella, Blackall, Roma, and Moonie districts of Queensland, with a carrying capacity of 300,000 head. of cattle to support the Company’s 3 feedlots.

Additionally, David represents Agricultural & Cattle industry interests in his role as; Non-Government member Australia­ Indonesia Red Meat & Cattle Partnership, member SmartSat CRC, member Cattle Australia -Policy Council, member Australian Meat Industry Council -China & Halal Trade Groups, Chair Workplace Health & Safety Queensland -Rural Industry Sector Standing Committee, Deputy Chair Laguna Bay Pastoral investment committee and Board Member lnventia Genetic Technologies (IGT). 

Away from work David has a small cattle property in the Mt Kilcoy (Qld) district running Charolais & Charbray breeders to the delight of his four grandchildren.

David wishes to continue into a second term to help build a strong and successful Cattle Australia to represent the interest of all cattle producers