AUSTRALIAN Shorthorn cattle and the wider beef industry will be on show for the 2019 World Shorthorn Congress later this year.
The extensive tour, with the theme of 'Meating the future', begins in Adelaide on September 23 and includes visits to commercial and stud enterprises in South Australia, Victoria, NSW and Tasmania, as well as JBS Australia's Prime City feedlot, where the JBS Thousand Guineas Shorthorn product is fed for distribution.
Twenty-seven beef and dairy studs have been included in the program, giving delegates insight into different operations and the scope of the industry in Australia.
A highlight of the program is the informative two-day conference at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga.
The conference, on Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4, will include speakers from the Shorthorn breed, Lawrie Willet, Shorthorn World Council president; and Montie Soules, chief executive officer of the American Shorthorn Association.
The Thousands Guineas Shorthorn branded beef program will be discussed by JBS Northern chief operating officer and director Anthony Pratt, and JBS Northern commercial manager beef, Brendan Tatt.
Among the speakers from the wider beef and dairy industries are Meat and Livestock Australia marketing and communications officer Lisa Sharpe, who will speak about the Australian beef industry in the global picture; Dr Wade Shafer, Executive Vice President, American Simmental Association will speak on international genetic solutions to enhance profitability; Professors Ben Hayes, centre director for animal science at the University of Queensland who will focus on genomics to boost the Australian beef industry; Dairy Australia senior industry analyst John Droppert, speaking on Australian and global dairy production and supply chains.
Also speaking will be industry consultant Graham Truscott, the former CEO of Angus Australia and the Australian Wagyu Association; and veterinarian Ced Wise, Artificial Breeding Services.
Day one of the conference will include a panel discussion with Panel discussion Morrison Meats, Hanna Meats and JBS, as well as a conference dinner showcasing Thousand Guineas beef and other produce from the Riverina, and the Ruby and Roan International Elite Shorthorn Genetics auction. Day two includes a tour of CSU facilities and panel discussion with conference speakers, as well as a Shorthorn World Council meeting.
Attendees will get two opportunities to see Shorthorns working the show ring, with a visit to the Royal Melbourne Show on September 29, and the Shorthorn Youth Expo Heifer Show at Dubbo on October 6.
Organisers are expecting delegates from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe and the US.
Shorthorn Beef business and promotions manager Graham Winnell said the tour was an opportunity to showcase the Australian beef industry.
Visit www.quadrantaustralia.com/world-shorthorn-conference/ for more information.
