About
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.
EARLY BIRD TICKETS
Early bird tickets are available until Friday 27th February 2026.
PROGRAM
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 - Ervine Van Riemdijk, Global Application Manager Cow Control, Nedap
Panel Session: Sustainable Farming, Facilitator Elissa McNamara, National Climate and Energy Lead, Dairy Australia
A Farmer's Perspective on Water Sustainability and Community Impact - Bernice Lumsden, Dairy Farmer, Leitchville, Victoria
Farming, Wind & Solar: Protecting Agricultural Land in a Changing Energy Landscape - Joe Conheady, Dairy Farmer, Noorat, Victoria
Sustainability and Smart Farming: A Dairy Farmer's Journey - Sandra Jefford, Dairy Farmer, Clydebank, 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 Anderson, 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
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 Angus Seedstock Breeding - Simon Falkiner, Stud Genetics & Marketing, Angus Australia Board Member
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.
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.
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.
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
GMHBA Stadium
370 Moorabool Street, South Geelong Vic 3220
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