MLA Updates 2026 agenda unveiled as industry leaders prepare to tackle red meat's biggest opportunities
Producers from across Australia's red meat and livestock industry are being encouraged to register for MLA Updates 2026, with the full agenda now released for the flagship industry event at The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville, Queensland, on Tuesday 24 November.
Bringing together producers, processors, advisors and industry stakeholders from across the supply chain, MLA Updates 2026 will focus on turning dialogue into delivery, showcasing how MLA's investments are creating practical outcomes and future opportunities for Australia's red meat industry.
Attendees are encouraged to start their MLA Updates experience early by joining the Welcome Networking Event at The Ville Resort-Casino on Monday 23 November. The event provides an opportunity to connect with fellow producers, industry leaders and stakeholders ahead of the main program.
The one-day event will provide an update on MLA's delivery against Strategic Plan 2030 and explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Australia's cattle, sheep and goat sectors.
Speakers from across MLA's programs will share insights on the latest research, market information and technologies, delivering practical take-home ideas for producers and red meat businesses.
The program includes sessions covering:
- Innovations and technologies driving productivity and profitability
- Consumer trends and market intelligence
- Biosecurity and producer preparedness
- Sustainability and animal wellbeing
- Emerging domestic and international market opportunities
- Industry policy and advocacy priorities
- Maintaining and strengthening access to global markets that place a high value on Australia's world-leading traceability, integrity and assurance systems
Speakers include MLA leaders Michael Crowley, Sarah Strachan, Nathan Low, Andrew Cox, Jo Quigley, Dr David Beatty and Dr Michael Laurence. The program will also feature the Towards 2030: Red Meat Advisory Council Forum, where chief executives from the red meat Peak Industry Bodies will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, industry policy priorities and how they represent and advocate for levy payer interests.
With interactive panel discussions, producer-focused updates and opportunities to engage directly with industry decision makers, MLA Updates 2026 is expected to attract hundreds of producers and stakeholders from across Australia.
MLA Annual General Meeting and levy resolutions
MLA's Annual General Meeting will also be held as part of MLA Updates 2026, giving members the opportunity to participate in the governance of their company and hear directly about MLA's performance, priorities and future direction.
At the AGM, members of the grassfed cattle and goat membership classes will be asked to vote on levy resolutions proposed by Cattle Australia and the Goat Industry Council of Australia respectively.
Details of the proposed resolutions are available in the Notice of Meeting and associated explanatory materials.
In addition to the MLA member vote, a separate ballot is being conducted for eligible goat and grassfed cattle levy payers who paid levies during the past financial year, ensuring levy payers have the opportunity to vote on the proposed resolutions.
Ballot forms have now been distributed via email from Computershare and via postal mail and the advised deadline for receipt has passed. Any eligible levy payer who has not received a ballot form and believes they are entitled to vote should contact MLA as soon as possible on 1800 023 100 or at membership@mla.com.au.
Registrations for MLA Updates 2026 are free and now open.
View the program: MLA Updates 2026 Program
View the speakers: MLA Updates 2026 Speakers
Register here: Register for MLA Updates 2026
