IN A time of change and re-calibration for the livestock export industry, around 400 delegates are expected to attend the industry’s national conference in Townsville later this year.

Two days of discussion and debate will kick off the LIVEXchange 2019: Welfare beyond borders program, with a half-day producer forum on 30 October and conclude with a gala dinner and charity auction on 31 October.

LIVEXchange 2019 is being hosted by the Queensland Livestock Exporters Association in conjunction with the Australian Livestock Exporters Council and the Australian Livestock Export Corporation.

LiveCorp CEO Sam Brown said this year’s theme recognised both progress to date and the need for greater transparency across all elements of the trade.

“The conference is a great opportunity to push the boundaries of our thinking, invite new perspectives and take a hard look at everything we’re doing,” Mr Brown said.

“As a research organisation, we’re driving the right kind of change to support the industry in its constant pursuit of better outcomes – taking welfare beyond borders through knowledge, skills and innovation,” he said.

“Working together along the supply chain, significant improvements are being made in infrastructure, animal handling skills and slaughter techniques, but we know the trade needs to continue to modernise and lead change.”

Australian Livestock Exporters Council chief executive Mark Harvey-Sutton said one of the strengths of the industry was the connection between sheep and beef producers, exporters and customers overseas.

“As an industry, we don’t just export livestock – we export world leading standards in animal welfare which start on-farm in Australia and are employed throughout the supply chain into destination markets,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said.

“The conference is a chance to bring together people from across the country and around the world, to discuss progress on key initiatives, reflect on challenges and opportunities, and learn from others with a different perspective.

“I’m looking forward to seeing familiar and new faces, and having the opportunity to outline the significant steps we’re taking to safeguard the sustainability of the industry as part of Australia’s world leading red meat value chain.”

Queensland Livestock Exporters Association president Greg Pankhurst is encouraging Queensland livestock producers to attend LIVEXchange 2019, to learn more about the industry.

“The economic contribution of the industry doesn’t just impact producers but communities across Australia, through support businesses from vets to truck drivers to feed manufacturers and more,” he said.

Registration is now open for LIVEXchange 2019. Click here to access.