Where Data Meets Direction

Day one — Friday 6 November

Friday’s program takes members from research in the paddock to performance on the plate, bringing together practical science, commercial insight, and discussion about where Speckle Park can go next.

UNE SMART Farm Tour and Research Update
The day begins with a guided visit to the University of New England’s SMART Farm, a working research and teaching facility where livestock science, technology and commercial beef production come together in real paddock conditions.

Members will see how UNE is applying research, precision livestock management and data to some of the major opportunities facing beef producers, including genetics, feed efficiency and emissions reduction.

The tour will also include an update on current UNE research into genetics and feed additives to reduce methane emissions in cattle, providing an opportunity to hear directly from researchers, ask questions and better understand how emerging science could influence future production systems and breeding decisions.

Following the tour, members will return to UNE for a light lunch before the afternoon workshop begins. 

Member Workshop - From genetics to market
The afternoon workshop will bring together specialists from across beef production, meat science, genetics and industry development to explore the commercial journey from breeding decision to customer.

The program will look at:

• what drives eating quality, carcase performance and commercial value

• how genetics and performance data can be translated into measurable breeding progress

• using data to make more informed selection decisions

• aligning cattle and genetics with changing market requirements

• lessons from building value through the beef supply chain

• opportunities for Speckle Park as the breed continues to develop its commercial position

Rather than looking at these areas in isolation, the sessions will build across the afternoon, connecting what the market values, what can be measured and how breeders can respond through selection and genetic progress.

Panel Session - Where does Speckle Park go next?

The afternoon will conclude with a panel discussion bringing the day’s speakers and industry perspectives together around one central question: How do we breed Speckle Park for where the market is heading?

It will be an opportunity to explore the opportunities ahead for the breed, ask questions and consider how research, commercial market signals and performance information can help guide future direction.