GA2026

GA 2026 Conference – Today, Tomorrow and Beyond

Planning is underway for the GA 2026 Conference, bringing together a diverse line-up of local and international speakers, farmers, and industry delegates from both the dairy and beef sectors.

This year’s theme, Today, Tomorrow and Beyond, focuses on the future of cattle breeding—exploring cutting-edge technologies, new research, and fresh industry perspectives. The conference aims to inspire the next generation to harness genetics to drive high-performing dairy and beef operations while reducing the sector’s environmental footprint.

We warmly invite you to join us at GA 2026 – Today, Tomorrow and Beyond, held at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, on March 17–18, 2026.

17TH MARCH | CONFERENCE | DAY 1

9.00 am - Registrations & Trade Displays open 

9.00 am - Tea, coffee and morning snack are available

10.00 am - Conference Day 1 opens

MC - Dr Stephanie Bullen  - National Animal Health & Welfare Lead, Dairy Australia

Session 1 | Future Technology & Sustainable Farming

From Vision to Innovation: Harnessing AI to Transform Agriculture - Stuart Austin, Co-founder, Audacious Agriculture

From Numbers to Knowledge: How Dairy Farmers Gain Contenxt with Nedap Technology - Evine Van Riemdijk, Global Application Manager Cow Control, Nedap

Panel Session: Sustainable Farming, Facilitator Elissa McNamara, National Climate and Environmental Lead, Dairy Australia 

    A Farmer's Perspective on Water Sustainability and Community Impact - Bernice Lumsden, Dairy Farmer, Leitchville, Victoria

   Sustainability and Smart Farming: A Dairy Farmer's Journey - Sandra Jefford, Dairy Farmer, Clydebank, Victoria

Farming, Wind & Solar: Protecting Agricultural Land in a Changing Energy Landscape - Joe & Anna Conheady, Dairy Farmers, Noorat, Victoria

12.15 pm  - Lunch 

Session 2 | The Road to New Markets

From Farm to Fork: Marketing Premium Beef in Australia and Off-shore - Anthony Fellows, CEO, Harmony Agriculture & Food Co

Emerging Trends in Asia-Pacific: What's Coming for Australian Beef and Dairy - Austrex

Advances in Gene Editing Techniques for Cattle - Prof Alison Van Eenennaam, Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension in Animal Biotechhnology & Genomics, University of California, Davis

Session 3 | Genetics 

Leveraging Genetic Gain: From Now into the Future - Dr Kent Andersen, Director of Global Beef Genetics Technical Services, Zoetis.

3.15 pm - Afternoon Tea

Session 4 | Keynote Presentation

From Tradition to Innovation: How Technology Shapes a Modern Meat Business - Dean McKenna, General Manager Midfield Group

Session 5 | Tales from the Paddock

From Frankston to Gippsland: A Journey in Farming and Mentorship - Kate Kirk, Dairy Farmer, Loch, Victoria

In the Paddock: Breeding, Life and Dairy Tales with Ray Kitchen - Ray Kitchen, Dairy Farmer, Boyanup, Western Australia (Facilitated by Anthony Shelly)

5.05 pm - Conference Day 1 - Close

Gala Dinner 

6.30 pm - Pre-dinner Drinks 

7.30 pm - Dinner Commences - 3-course set menu, dinner, hosted at GMHBA Stadium

Guest Speaker - Hakim Halim - Founder and co-owner of Ripe Cheese at Queen Victoria Market.

How a Singaporean Outsider Ended up Championing Australian Cheese?

18TH MARCH | CONFERENCE | DAY 2

8.00 am - Tea, coffee and light refreshments are available. Coffee Cart Available

8.40 am - Conference Day 2 opens

MC - Dr Stephanie Bullen  - National Animal Health & Welfare Lead, Dairy Australia

Session 6 | Tomorrow's Agriculture

From Lab to Livestock: R & D Insights from Peak - Vianney Salmon, Research & Development, PEAK

Current Innovations in Bovine OPU & IVF - from Oocyte to Embryo - Dr Rory Nevard, Clinical Specialist, University of Sydney 

The Power of the Next Generation with IVF Globally - PJ Budler, International Business Development Manager, Trans Ova

Measuring NFI for Beef Seedstock Breeding - Paul Meade, Farm Manager, Meade Agri, Beeac, Vic

10.35 am - Morning Tea 

Session 7 - Keynote Presentation

Innovating for Impact: How One Dairy Farmer Created a Global Solution - Grant Rogers, Dairy Farmer, Ouse, Tasmania

Session 8 - Reproductive Innovation in Action

Shaping the Future of Herds: Insights into the Latest National Beeding Objectives - Peter Thurn, Stakeholder Relations Specialist, DataGene

Born Ready: Understanding Calf Vitality in Australian Holsteins - Michelle Axford, Specials Project, DataGene

Meet DataGene's New CEO: US Genomics Insights and Lessons for Australia - Dr Emily Piper, CEo, DataGene

Session 9 - Securing the Future

Panel Session: Securing the Future, Facilitator Anthony Shelly, CEO, Genetics Australia 

   Family Farms, Smarter Business: Diversifying with Beef and Dairy - Lachie Tindall, Dairy Farmer, Casterton, Victoria

   How to Embrace the Challenge of Continual Improvement to Satisfy Premium Markets - Charlie Perry, Principal, Trentbridge Wagyu

1.05 pm Conference Day 2 - Final Close

1.15 pm Lunch

The official GA 2026 program can be viewed here.

19TH MARCH | POST CONFERENCE TOUR

Information will be available soon.

ACCOMMODATION

Following are some accommodation options that delegates may wish to explore:

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, an IHG Hotel

40 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220 | 03 4335 6100

Parking is limited at this hotel, so make sure you book early.

Breakfast options are available.

Quest Geelong Central 

71-77 Gheringhap St, Geelong VIC 3220 | 03 5212 9100

Parking is limited at this hotel, so make sure you book early.

Breakfast options are available.

Rydges Geelong

Myers St &, Gheringhap St, Geelong VIC 3220 | 03 5223 6200

Breakfast options are available.

Discounted $15.00 parking; get in early, as positions are not guaranteed.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

 

LOCATION