BeefEx 2026 closes on the Gold Coast with a vision for the Feedlot of 2040
BeefEx 2026 has drawn to a close at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, wrapping up three days of record attendance, a sold-out trade show and a program that challenged Australia's grain fed beef sector to look decades into the future.
The event attracted a record 1,231 delegates, highlighting the strength and continued growth of Australia’s grain fed beef industry.
Delegates carried the momentum of Wednesday's Coopers Animal Health BeefEx Gala Dinner into the final day, following Wednesday afternoon sessions that explored what growth could look like for the sector. These included insights inside the Blackshirt Feeders development in Nebraska with founding partner Dr Kee Jim, and Queensland engineer, Wagyu breeder and lot feeder Darren Hamblin's account of the thinking behind Struggle Downs Feedlot's shift to automation.
The Gala Dinner also delivered a highlight for a worthy cause, with the auction of the BeefEx Charity Bell drawing a winning bid of $37,500 from Dr Kee Jim, founding partner of Blackshirt Feeders. All proceeds from the auction will go to the LifeFlight Foundation, with the evening also celebrating the Australian Feedlot of the Year and ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year awards presented, alongside the announcement of Scott Braund as ALFA's newest Life Member.
The final day opened with a "Scrutiny spotlight" session, with the Hon Christopher Pyne drawing on more than 25 years in federal politics to explore what it takes to navigate scrutiny and rebuild trust in the public eye. He was followed by Australian Eggs Managing Director Rowan McMonnies, who offered lot feeders insights into how the egg industry has navigated community pressure on similar issues.
A major highlight of the conference was Feedlot '40, delivered in partnership with major conference partner Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). Narrated by futurist Anders Sörman-Nilsson, the session brought scientists, lot feeders and industry experts together on stage to explore what an Australian feedlot could look like in 2040, from induction to exit and through to the consumer.
Delegates were taken through the latest and emerging innovations already shaping the sector, alongside future technologies still at the concept stage, in a session that captured the ambition driving BeefEx 2026's program.
A strong thread throughout the program was recognition of the people who work in feedlots and the care they show for cattle, reflected in the recurring focus on horses and pen riders across BeefEx 2026.
The final day also recognised more of the sector's outstanding people and businesses, with three further ALFA Awards presented:
The ALFA Communicate Your Research Competition, sponsored by Bovine Dynamics, recognises the next generation of feedlot industry researchers who communicate their science effectively to the sector, was awarded to Jack Mayhew, a second-year student at the University of Sydney.
Jack's research examined whether real-time, in-pen liveweight measurements could be used to directly predict empty body weight in feedlot cattle, a key input for modelling growth, nutrient requirements and feed efficiency. Following a presentation and Q&A hosted by Melissa George, Jack's findings showed that liveweight combined with days on feed offered a simplified, more accurate alternative to conventional estimation methods, reducing reliance on intermediate conversion steps.
The ALFA Community Heroes Award, sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, recognises those going above and beyond to give back to their local communities, was awarded to Gundamain, the sixth-generation Herbert family feedlot near Eugowra in Central West NSW.
The ALFA Innovation Competition, sponsored by Integrated Animal Production, recognises feedlots and their teams developing practical, non-commercialised innovations that improve day-to-day operations. The competition was won by Cleveland Ag.
The conference closed with a session dedicated to the people at the heart of the industry, featuring feedlot practitioner Arnel Corpuz who shared his experience of building a workforce and a life in Australia after moving from the Philippines in 2004, and horse trainer Brett Welsh who discussed preparing safe horses for pen riders as feedlot workforces change.
Champion jockey Glen Boss brought BeefEx 2026 to a fitting close, reflecting on the moments that define a career and what it takes to back yourself when the pressure is on. ALFA Board member and Chair of BeefEx committee, Paul Vogt delivered closing remarks and delegates gathered for Sundowner Farewell Drinks, thanks to Roto-Mix.
Mr Vogt said BeefEx 2026 had set a new benchmark for the event.
"This has been the biggest and most ambitious BeefEx in our 30-year history, and it's been a privilege to bring this industry together for three days of genuine learning, celebration and connection," Mr Vogt said.
"From the Feedlot '40 session imagining where our sector is headed, to the awards recognising the people and businesses leading the way today, BeefEx 2026 has shown exactly why this industry, and this event, continues to grow. On behalf of ALFA, thank you to our major conference partner MLA, our sponsors, our speakers and every delegate who made this year's event our best yet."
With BeefEx 2026 now complete, the countdown to the next event has already begun, with BeefEx 2028 confirmed for 19–21 September 2028 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
ALFA looks forward to bringing the industry back together on the Gold Coast in 2028 for another three days of learning, innovation, connection and celebration.
BeefEx is Australia's flagship grain fed beef industry event, hosted by the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA). Held every two years, the conference brings together the entire grain fed beef supply chain, from lot feeders and service providers to processors, exporters, researchers and government, for three days of learning, innovation and networking.
ENDS.
Media Assets:
Media Enquiries:
Grant Garey
ALFA President
(02) 9290 3700
Niamh Bartley
ALFA Marketing & Communications
0417 610 150
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