• Cattle Connect to bring thousands of people to Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga in October
• Australia’s beef industry contributes an estimated $8.4 billion to the country’s economy each year

The future of Australia’s beef industry will be shaped at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga next month.

Cattle Connect is expected to bring approximately 1,000 cattle producers, industry leaders, government and policy representatives, researchers and other stakeholders together from Australia’s beef supply chain.

Charles Sturt University has partnered with Cattle Australia to bring the event to Wagga Wagga, the first time the event will be hosted at a working agricultural campus.

Australia is the world’s second largest beef exporter, contributing an estimated $8.4 billion to the country’s economy each year, with approximately 30 million cattle on properties across the country.

Charles Sturt’s Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Brown said the University was looking forward to showcasing why its Wagga Wagga campus is one of Australia’s leading centres for agricultural education, research and innovation.

There are currently more than 600 students studying a Bachelor of Agriculture, Bachelor of Agricultural Science or Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management with Charles Sturt.

“Our partnership with Cattle Australia is an investment in the next generation of Australian beef industry experts,” Professor Brown said.

“Our students will have the opportunity to learn directly from producers, researchers and industry leaders and build valuable networks, whilst delegates will benefit from the facilities and research that Charles Sturt University is proud to deliver.”

“Attendees will experience firsthand how research is translated into practical solutions that improve productivity, sustainability and the future of Australian beef production.”

Day one of the program features a field day and exhibitions, with tours of Charles Sturt’s feedlot and virtual fences, while day two features a conference program with guest speakers.

Charles Sturt researchers, academics and students will present as part of the two-day program, which also includes presentations on soil, water monitoring, evaluating livestock and how to strengthen the industry.

Cattle Australia Chief Executive, Mr Will Evans, said Cattle Connect provides face-to-face opportunities to talk through new ideas which are critical to the industry’s future.

“Our industry is facing big questions on productivity, sustainability and how we stay competitive. Cattle Connect is where producers, researchers and industry come together to work through them,” Mr Evans said.

“People will leave with practical knowledge, strong connections and a clear read on our opportunities and where the industry is heading.

“Partnering with Charles Sturt lets us do that on a genuine working campus, where research, production and industry meet. Delegates will see innovation in the paddock, not just on a slide.”

Cattle Connect will be held on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 October. Registrations for the event are now open online.