Technology, data, adoption and linking genetics to the prediction of consumer outcomes will be the focus of the Livestock Breeding and Genetics Forum to be held in Brisbane on 21 February 2018.
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Organised by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the free, one-day forum is part of a stakeholder engagement initiative of the National Livestock Genetics Consortium (NLGC) and is open for all industry participants to attend.
The NLGC was established in October 2016 with the goal of delivering $400 million in industry improvements by doubling the rate of annual genetic gain in the commercial livestock industry value chain by 2022.
MLA General Manager – Producer Consultation & Adoption and NLGC Executive Officer, Michael Crowley, said the forum was designed to engage stakeholders, provide an update of the latest genetics research and development (R&D) investments and most importantly, seek collaboration around livestock genetics adoption and gather feedback on future investment priorities via an interactive workshop.
“The NLGC was developed after considerable industry consultation to provide increased collaboration, communication and investment in the livestock genetics sector,” Mr Crowley said.
“The NLGC is a stakeholder driven process and the forum is an ideal event to bring together all stakeholders from throughout the value chain who have an interest in improving genetic gains in the livestock industry.
“This includes commercial and seedstock producers, extension and service providers, lot feeders, processors, brand owners, supply chain participants and the scientific community.
“One of the key aims of the NLGC is to coordinate research, reduce timelines and costs ensuring delivery of world leading genetic improvement.
“The NLGC has already started on that path through its annual project call process.
“To date there have been three project calls to address the NLGC’s strategic priorities, with over 30 projects being endorsed for funding, resulting in $30 million of new investment, totaling $80 million of current project investment.
“Attendees at the forum can hear about the current investments in livestock genetics, and how this is shaping the future of genetics, along with providing the opportunity to provide feedback and prioritise the direction of future investments to increase the adoption of genetic tools and technology in the livestock sector.”
The forum will see key speakers from research organisations and the value chain cover topics across:
- Disruptive technology: Tom Bull, Professor Ben Hayes and Dr Rob Banks
- Accessible Data platform: Andrew Skinner, Dr Rod Polkinghorne and Andrew Cooke
- Linking genetics to the end product and consumer: Jason Strong, Tom Maguire and Dr Alex Ball
- Culture change and adoption: Associate Professor Ruth Nettle, MLA’s David Packer and Dr Sam Bucculo.
The Livestock Breeding and Genetics Forum will be held from 8.30am to 5pm at Hall C, Royal International Convention Centre, 600 Gregory Terrace, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, also known as the Ekka grounds.
The event is free, but registration is essential for catering purposes.
To register for the forum, click here.
