MORE than 300 red meat industry stakeholders will discuss current and future investments in livestock genetics at a forum in Brisbane next week.

Meat & Livestock Australia said the growing appetite for information about the role of genetics in improving productivity and profitability in the red meat industry has led to almost 350 participants register for the Livestock Breeding and Genetics Forum in Brisbane on February 21.

The free, one-day forum has been organised by MLA and is part of an important stakeholder engagement initiative of the National Livestock Genetics Consortium.

The event is open for all industry participants to attend, with registrations open until February 20.

MLA general manager – producer consultation & adoption and NLGC executive officer, Michael Crowley, said the response from producers and stakeholders throughout the value chain to the event demonstrated the livestock industry’s growing interest in improving genetic gains.

“The forum will showcase leading speakers in the scientific community and value chain, including producers who are using genetics to improve the productivity and profitability of their own operations.

“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,” Mr Crowley said.

“Attendees at the forum will hear about current investments in livestock genetics including what projects the NLGC is investing in, and how this is shaping the future of genetics.

The forum will also provide attendees with 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,” he said.

The forum will include key speakers from research organisations and the value chain who will cover topics such as:

• Linking genetics to the end product and consumer: Jason Strong, Tom Maguire and Dr Alex Ball.

• Accessible data platform: Andrew Skinner, Dr Rod Polkinghorne and Andrew Cooke.
• Disruptive technology and the future of genetics: Tom Bull, Professor Ben Hayes and Dr Rob Banks.
• Culture change and adoption: Associate Professor Ruth Nettle, MLA’s David Packer and Martin Stewart-Weeks.

Each session will also include a panel discussion.

The Livestock Breeding and Genetics Forum will be held from 8.30am-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.

Source: MLA.