Angus Australia connects with industry at record-breaking BeefEx 2026
Representatives from Angus Australia joined more than 1,200 delegates from across the grain fed beef supply chain on the Gold Coast this week for BeefEx 2026, the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association’s (ALFA) flagship industry conference.
Dr Brad Hine, Extension Officer; Jake Bourne, Business Development Executive; Mel Strasburg, Executive Assistant to the CEO & Events Coordinator; and Ben Hill, Board Director, represented Angus Australia at the biennial event, held from 22–24 September at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
BeefEx 2026 attracted a record 1,200 registered delegates, a 50 per cent increase on the previous record of 800 attendees set in 2024, making it the largest BeefEx in the conference’s 30-year history.
The event brought together lot feeders, producers, processors, researchers, service providers and other members of the beef supply chain for three days of networking, knowledge sharing and discussion around the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of grain fed beef.
Angus Australia Extension Officer Dr Brad Hine said the scale and quality of this year’s event reflected the strength and momentum within the sector.
“There were around 1,200 people at BeefEx this year and it was an incredibly well-run event,” Dr Hine said.
“It provided a great opportunity to connect with people from right across the supply chain and hear different perspectives on where the beef industry is heading.”
Looking at the future of large-scale lot feeding
A highlight for Dr Hine was a presentation from North American cattle industry leader and veterinarian Dr Kee Jim, a founding partner of Blackshirt Feeders.
Dr Jim’s BeefEx presentation explored the development of Blackshirt Feeders in Nebraska and the thinking behind a new generation of large-scale feedlot design.
The development has approval to ultimately expand to 200,000 head, which would make it the largest beef feedlot in the United States. The facility is being developed using roller-compacted concrete, tighter operating systems and integrated technology, with its design intended to increase capacity while managing the physical footprint of the operation.
Dr Jim brought more than four decades of experience in the North American cattle industry to the BeefEx stage, providing delegates with an international perspective on the future of feedlot development, scale, efficiency and innovation.
For Dr Hine, hearing directly about the thinking and planning behind a project of that scale was a standout of the conference.
“Dr Kee Jim’s presentation was a highlight for me. Hearing about the development of a feedlot designed to ultimately accommodate 200,000 head, and the systems and thinking behind an operation of that scale, was fascinating,” he said.
“It was a great example of the scale of innovation happening internationally and provided plenty to think about in the Australian context.”
Recognising industry excellence
BeefEx 2026 also provided an opportunity to recognise some of the people and businesses making an outstanding contribution to Australia’s grain fed beef industry.
Angus Australia congratulates Zac McGee of Mort & Co’s Grassdale Feedlot, who was named the 2026 ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year. The award recognises emerging professionals demonstrating leadership, skill and commitment to the future of Australia’s lot feeding sector.
Congratulations also go to the winners of the 2026 Australian Feedlot of the Year Awards: Waggaba Feedlot in the under 3,000 head category, Cadelga Feedlot in the 3,000–8,000 head category and Sapphire Feedlot in the over 15,000 head category.
The awards recognise excellence across areas including animal welfare, environmental stewardship, innovation and business performance, highlighting the people and operations helping drive the Australian grain fed beef industry forward.
A longstanding BeefEx tradition
A particularly special tradition associated with BeefEx is the Charity Cow Bell, generously donated by Jan and Kev Roberts, who have supported the initiative since the early 1990s.
Their ongoing contribution has seen the bell become a longstanding part of BeefEx and an example of the strong sense of community and generosity within the Australian beef industry. More than three decades later, Jan and Kev’s continued involvement provides an important link between the history of BeefEx and the industry of today.
At BeefEx 2026, the Charity Cow Bell was once again included as part of the Gala Dinner, with proceeds from the auction supporting LifeFlight.
Jan and Kev’s commitment over such a long period deserves particular recognition. Their contribution is about considerably more than the physical bell itself; it represents a tradition of giving back and supporting organisations that provide vital services to rural and regional communities.
Connecting across the beef supply chain
Beyond the conference sessions, BeefEx provided the Angus Australia team with an important opportunity to connect with producers, lot feeders and industry partners from across Australia and internationally.
The 2026 program covered topics ranging from people and leadership to supply chain resilience, trade and geopolitics, feedlot economics, technology and the future design of intensive beef production.
This year’s event also featured the largest BeefEx Trade Show to date, bringing together businesses and organisations working across feedlot technology, genetics, animal health, nutrition and equipment.
For Angus Australia, participation in events such as BeefEx provides an opportunity to remain connected with developments across the wider beef supply chain and better understand the opportunities, challenges and technologies influencing the businesses using Angus genetics.
With record attendance and a strong focus on innovation, people, community and the future of grain fed beef production, BeefEx 2026 provided plenty of valuable conversations and insights for the Angus Australia team to bring home.
