LAMBEX 2018 has released its program featuring a strong line-up of international and Australian speakers who will present on an array of local and global issues for the sheep and lamb industry.
The event at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre runs from Sunday, August 5, to Tuesday, August 7, with conference chairwoman, Bindi Murray, saying it was shaping up to be the biggest and best event yet.
"We have a fantastic program and an amazing line-up of speakers who will provide a thought-provoking and insightful look at the lamb and sheep industry in Australia and internationally," Ms Murray said.
Keynote speakers include The Center for Food Integrity chief executive officer, Charlie Arnot, and Beef and Lamb New Zealand independent director, Melissa Clark-Reynolds.
"We are also excited to welcome James Rebanks from the Lake District of the United Kingdom," she said.
Mr Rebanks has been described as a modern day shepherd who has gained a flock of more than 80,000 followers on Twitter.
An Oxford graduate and author with a passion for his Herdwick sheep, his story will inspire all those with a passion for farming a family property.
Other experts to speak include:
. AuctionsPlus chief executive officer, Anna Speer, who will answer the question whether farmers can expect “Amazon-style” disruption in livestock marketing in years to come and how the company has spent 30 years trying to disrupt the way farmers trade livestock.
. Ed Peter, Duxton Capital, will debate if corporate investment will disrupt the way we do business in the sheep industry.
. Consultant, Jason Trompf, will navigate potentially the best opening session at LambEx yet with a look at the achievements and leakages of the sheep supply chain and what can be done about it.
. Meat and Livestock Australia's Lisa Sharp will discuss the new generation consumer through the lens of making sure we produce what they want.
The LambEx program also features a number of social events including the Fletcher International Exports Welcome Function, breakfasts hosted by Sheep CRC, AusWest Seeds, Boehringer Ingelheim and Gallagher.
The highlight of the program will be the Virbac International Pre-Dinner Drinks followed by Australian Wool Innovation's GrandsLamb Dinner.
Early-bird registrations are open and rates are $500 for farmers, $400 for students and $625 for service providers and industry representatives.
Murdoch University associate professor Graham Gardner will emcee the conference.
There has already been strong interest in the LambEx 2018 Young Guns Competition with $13,000 worth of prizes being offered.
The competition aims to reward and encourage young and upcoming producers, industry professionals and scientists to consider a future or ongoing career in the Australian lamb industry.
"It's never been a more profitable time to be a lamb producer. In the past 12 months sheep, lamb and wool prices have risen to some of the highest levels they've ever been," Ms Murray said.
"LambEx 2018 will continue to highlight how our industry has grown and what steps producers and industry stakeholders can continue to take to ensure a lift in production and subsequent profits.
"It's the first time in almost a decade that LambEx has returned to WA and I encourage everyone to make sure they take advantage of the great early-bird rates.
"The two previous LambEx events in 2014 and 2016 were nearly sell outs so we're encouraging people who want to attend to get in early and register."
To view the full program and register go to lambex.com.au
