Where Data Meets Direction
Armidale, NSW | 6 - 7 November 2026
WORKSHOP & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
SPI Industry Workshop and AGM head to Armidale
Speckle Park International Members and industry guests are invited to Armidale for two days of practical learning, industry discussion and breed business.
This year’s program will explore how data, genetics and market insights can help guide breeding decisions, strengthen commercial outcomes and support the future direction of Speckle Park.
Register for the 2026 Workshop & AGM
Join us in Armidale on 6–7 November for two days of practical learning, industry insights and opportunities to connect with fellow Speckle Park breeders.
Registrations are open for the Friday Industry Workshop and SPI Industry Cocktail Dinner at Tattersalls Hotel. Members are also encouraged to attend SPI's Annual General Meeting on Saturday 7 November.
Workshop almost at capacity – limited places remaining
Interest in this year's UNE SMART Farm Tour and Industry Workshop has been strong, with only a limited number of places remaining. If you're planning to attend, we encourage you to register now to secure your place.
Registrations close 5 November, unless booked out earlier.
Workshop + Dinner — $130
Workshop Only — $75
Dinner Only — $65
Two-day program highlights
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 UNE 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 priorities ahead for the breed, ask questions and consider how research, commercial market signals and performance information can help guide future direction.
Speckle Park Industry Cocktail Dinner
After Friday’s UNE SMART Farm tour and workshop, members, speakers and industry guests will come together for dinner at the award-winning Tattersalls Hotel Armidale.
The evening will feature Speckle Park beef proudly supplied by Troy Hepburn of Fox Tail Hill Speckle Park and processed by Smith's Butchery Casino. giving everyone the chance to enjoy the breed on the plate after a day focused on genetics, performance and market opportunity.
With canapés served throughout the evening, it’s a chance to catch up with fellow breeders, meet new people and continue the day’s conversations in a relaxed, social setting.
Time: 6:15–9:30 pm
Dress code: Smart casual
Tickets includes canapés and one drink, with additional drinks available for purchase.
Day two — Saturday 7 November
The Speckle Park International Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday. The AGM will provide members with an update on SPI’s activities, priorities and financial position, while also giving members the opportunity to participate in formal breed business and help shape the organisation’s future direction.
Guest speakers
Dr David Innes
Lecturer in Ruminant Nutrition, University of New England
David will explore the role of nutrition in cattle performance, drawing on his research into feed intake, precision feeding and strategies to improve productivity and efficiency in beef production systems.
Simon Eriksen
Managing Director, Neat Meat
Simon will share the Neat Meat journey and the lessons learned building a premium meat business, with insights into market expectations, supply chains and creating value from paddock to plate.
Prof. Peter McGilchrist
Professor of Meat Science, University of New England
Professor McGilchrist will share insights into meat science, carcase performance and the factors influencing eating quality and commercial value.
Peta Bradley
Genetics Product and Innovation Manager, Meat & Livestock Australia
Peta will discuss the commercial application of genetics, market alignment and the role of data in supporting stronger industry outcomes.
Dr David Johnston
Principal Scientist, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of New England
Dr Johnston will explore genetic evaluation, performance recording and how breeding data can support long-term genetic progress.
Dr Matt Wolcott
Scientist, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of New England
Dr Wolcott will join Dr David Johnston to explore how genetic evaluation, performance recording and breeding data can support practical selection decisions and long-term genetic progress.
Members attending the SPI AGM and Industry Workshop are encouraged to arrange accommodation early.
Armidale offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, guesthouses, cottages, self-contained apartments and rural retreats.
General information: travelling to Armidale
Armidale is easy to access by air, road or rail, making it a practical destination for members travelling from across NSW, Queensland and interstate.
By Air : Armidale Regional Airport is located close to the city centre, making air travel a convenient option for members flying in to the city. Members are encouraged to check current flight schedules and book early, particularly if travelling close to the event date.
By road: Armidale is accessible via the New England Highway, approximately six hours from Sydney and five to six hours from Brisbane, depending on route and traffic conditions. Members travelling from the coast can also access Armidale via the Waterfall Way.
By rail: NSW TrainLink services connect Sydney with Armidale. Timetables and fares should be checked directly with Transport for NSW when planning travel.
Plan your visit to Armidale
Join us in Armidale
Whether you're looking to strengthen your breeding decisions, learn more about the commercial direction of the beef industry or connect with fellow Speckle Park producers, the 2026 Workshop and AGM offers an opportunity to be part of the conversation.
Registrations close Thursday 5 November