Lambassador Sam Kekovich commentating the lamb carcase heading out in the court yard of the Adelaide Convention Centre to be put into the hangi.

ORGANISERS of the first LambEx in six years have drawn on the industry’s powerhouse past to motivate the innovation needed to navigate a potentially strong future.

More than 1000 delegates from all parts of the industry turned out to the Adelaide Convention Centre to discuss the road ahead for an industry that has had some tough times recent years – copping the brunt of dry seasons in Southern Australia, having volatile markets and a recently legislated phase out of live sheep exports.

While uncertainty has been the story of the past year, organisers were clearly trying to rally a sense of optimism for the industry that once carried country’s economy.

I don’t buy the narrative that our industry is on its knees

LambEx drew on the industry’s rich history to stir that optimism, with Redgum lead singer John Schumann and his band giving a rendition of Waltzing Matilda to open today’s conference program.

John Schumann singing Waltzing Matilda at Lambex. Photo: Lambex

Mr Schumann spoke about his childhood with lamb being the main protein in his household, with a mix of hogget, mutton and lamb going on the table depending on the income at the time.

“The centrepiece was always lamb chops on the barbecue. Now days lamb is ‘plated up’, which is a word conjured up in cooking shows, and served by a hipster called Jaidyn,” he said.

The new wave of lamb consumption was a focus on the trade show floor, with plenty of objective carcase grading demonstrations and various cooking displays – including a hangi roasted overnight by a team led by Meat & Livestock Australia chef Sam Burke.

Creating the sheep of the future

Jason Schulz opening LambEx.

In a passionate speech to open today’s conference, LambEx chair Jason Schulz said there was still a big future for the lamb industry – despite the recent tough times.

“I don’t buy the narrative that out industry is on its knees due to recent market volatility, the flow on impacts of the live export ban, challenges with cost of production and the view that sheep are labour intensive,” Mr Schulz said.

“All this can be fixed with a shift in attitude, a change in mindset, a desire to think outside the box and a break away from traditional views.

“We need to create the sheep of the future, one that is efficient, resilient and easy care. Impressing your mates at the pub should no longer be about dollars/head but blow them away with kilos/ha and profits/DSE.”

Mr Schulz said it was important industry conferences like LambEx presented a professional front and drove awareness in urban areas.

“The song Waltzing Matilda reflects Australia’s past, rich in history and based around the sentiment that our country was developed on the sheep’s back,” he said.

“As romantic and poetic as this might be, we must not rest on our laurels. Sitting still is going backwards and it won’t cut it with the challenges we face in the future.

“Our Australian lamb industry is continually evolving both in customer demands and expectations. The modern and savvy sheep producers are also evolving, both in business smarts and within their flocks to remain profitable and competitive.”

Jo Notting from Bathurst with James Ballinger from Delungra both participating in the Neogen Future Flock program which was set up to support young people in the industry by giving them close access to the key note speakers and other sides of the show.

Lachlan Haynes from Alltech with David and Megan Charlick from Total Ag Consulting.

Mark Dearing from Elders Roseworthy and Ashlee Wachtel from Tailored Livestock Consulting in Robe.

Thomas Martin from Martin Ag and Simon Reynolds from Twyzel Pastoral.

Manny Noakes from MLA with Federal Department of Agriculture Middle East consultant Donna Bennett.