Cattle Connect Heads to Wagga Wagga this October
Wagga Wagga Hosts Cattle Connect 2026 for Australian Beef Producers
Producers, industry leaders, and agribusiness professionals from across Australia will travel to Wagga Wagga in just two weeks for Cattle Connect 2026, reported. Charles Sturt University will host the two-day event on 22–23 October, featuring live farm and feedlot demonstrations, guided tours, emerging technology showcases from trade exhibitors, and discussions shaping the future of the Australian beef industry.
The Tech TL;DR:
- Charles Sturt University hosts Cattle Connect 2026 on 22–23 October in Wagga Wagga.
- Day One focuses on farm tours, virtual fencing, soil health, and carcase yield measurement.
- Day Two addresses business issues, including the cattle transaction levy review and innovation panels.
Charles Sturt University Farm Tours and Virtual Fencing Demonstrations
Day One of the event, scheduled for Thursday 22 October, emphasizes practical, on-farm applications. Attendees can view Clipex farm tours of the Charles Sturt Feedlot and observe virtual fencing in the paddock with Gallagher eShepherd. Additional sessions cover low-stress stock handling with Farmsafe Australia and heifer selection for profitability with PJ Budler.
Soil health discussions will be led by Dr Susan Orgill, while Stuart Williams presents seasonal rainfall outlooks and the Cynoptec Climate Model. James Carter, a Nuffield Scholar, will detail methods for capturing more value through carcase yield measurement, alongside Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) presenting on value-based marketing. The day concludes with Sam Burke and Doug Piper demonstrating beef cuts making an impact in foodservice, followed by a Sundowner at the Equine Precinct.
Levy Reviews and Nutrition Science on Day Two
The agenda shifts to business strategy and industry governance on Friday 23 October. Discussions will address the cattle transaction levy review and the future direction of levy investments. A State of Play panel titled “Technology and Innovation” will examine the factors driving the next decade, evaluating developments that accelerate progress against those that create friction.
International keynote speaker Dan Kittredge will examine the science and market opportunities surrounding nutrient and mineral density in Australian beef, analyzing consumer interest in nutrition. Rob Clayton, PJ Budler, Dr Susan Orgill, and Dan Kittredge will join producers, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss productivity, profitability, genetics, soil health, sustainability, and technology.