Producer insights driving industry conversation

LambEx 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most producer-driven programs the event has ever delivered, with producers making up around half of the speaker line-up, bringing real-world experience to the forefront of industry discussion.

Held from 7–10 July at the Adelaide Convention Centre, this year’s program spans four days of networking, practical sessions and supply chain insight, to connect producers with the latest research, tools and market intelligence.

As a platinum partner, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) will play a key role across the program, with speakers including Sarah Strachan, MLA General Manager of Research, Development and Adoption, alongside David Packer, Meat Standards Australia Program Manager and Peta Bradley, Genetics Business Development Manager.

Sarah emphasised that the strong producer presence reflects what drives the most value for the industry.

“When you have producers telling their story, it stimulates interest from other producers and gets traction because it’s practical and grounded in real businesses,” she said.

Remaining aligned with producer needs

The program includes a variety of sessions, from tech talks showcasing solutions to on-farm challenges, genetics, finance and supply chain-focused panels.  There are also showcases such as the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) Carcase Showcase, which will aim to connect data to on-farm decision-making.

Ms Strachan said events like LambEx are critical for ensuring research and development priorities remain aligned with producer needs.

“Engaging directly with producers gives us a real understanding of the challenges they’re facing and the opportunities they’re looking for,” she said.

“It helps us ask, ‘what problem are we trying to solve?’ and make sure what we’re investing in is relevant and practical.”

Creating connections and better decision-making 

Beyond the engaging and insightful sessions, the program creates opportunities for connection across the entire supply chain. With networking functions, industry dinners, trade hall events and producer-focused catchups providing attendees a chance to build relationships with fellow producers, processors, researchers and service providers in a more informal setting.

“Producers can connect not just with each other, but with the people marketing their product globally, which helps explain why certain decisions matter back on-farm. This is what makes LambEx unique,” Sarah said

A key highlight for MLA will be the carcase showcase, where producers will be able to explore how carcase data, including eating quality, yield and performance, links to value-based outcomes.

“The showcase is about helping producers understand what drives true carcase value and how they can influence that through genetics and management,” Ms Strachan said.

After the event, Sarah hopes producers leave with both clarity and direction.

“I’d like producers to walk away with a deeper understanding of what MLA is investing in on their behalf, but also with new ideas, new tools and a clearer sense of what they can do next in their own business.”

With a program full of research-backed content and practical application, you won’t want to miss out on LambEx 2026 – get tickets now.