Major livestock event set for next month

BENDIGO Showgrounds are set to host a major industry event from Meat and Livestock Australia this November.

Beef producer Olivia Lawson of Paringa Livestock said she was excited that MLA Updates 2023 would be held closer to home in Central Victoria this year.

“It’s a good opportunity to come together as group of beef producers and also having the opportunity to talk with MLA staff about the different research and developments that are going on,” she said.

This year’s theme is ‘sustainability from paddock to plate’, which Ms Lawson said was a draw of the conference.

Among the speakers is Holly Kramer, cattle producer, and chair of Woolworths Group Sustainability Committee.

“I’d be interested in hearing from Woolworths about what they have planned in their supply chain in terms of sustainability,” said Ms Lawson.

“They’ve also got a panel session with producers on solutions that embrace sustainability and set you up for success, which I think will be really interesting.”

Following the keynote speech, a panel discussion with MLA managing director Jason Strong, Lambpro’s Tom Bull, and Western Plains Beef’s Iain Bruce will take place with a focus on suitability.

Australia’s meat and livestock industry set a target in 2018 to become carbon neutral by 2030, a goal that Ms Lawson said has seen a lot of support.

“There’s been a considerable amount of investment and energy that has been put into that space, which is great.

“In the context of our business it’s really about ensuring that the land that we have will be left in better condition for the next generation,” she said.

In addition to the speakers and displays on offer at the event, participants can also attend the MLA Annual General Meeting.

MLA Updates will take place at the Bendigo Showgrounds on 23 November, with registrations free and now open via the MLA website.