What We’ve Been Up To: An Autumn Recap 2025
It’s been a busy few months for the Neogen livestock genomics team.
From launching new testing tools to attending industry events and producer workshops, autumn brought plenty of opportunities to connect with the sector, share insights and support the next generation of breeders and beef leaders.
In this update, we cover highlights from the Neogen World Angus Forum and WagyuEdge’25, Harry’s recent travels in the Top End and his selection for the Advancing Beef Leaders Program, plus snapshots from events across Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
Scroll on to catch up on where we’ve been and what’s coming up this winter.
Harry joins the 2025 Advancing Beef Leaders Program
Harry has recently been accepted into the Advancing Beef Leaders (ABL) Program—a leadership development initiative aimed at equipping the next generation of beef industry professionals with the skills to lead, influence, and shape the future of the sector.
This year the program selected 22 participants from across northern Australia to undertake a 12-month journey of workshops, industry tours, and networking opportunities.
The ABL Program focuses on building leadership capability, deepening understanding of the beef supply chain, and fostering collaboration to tackle key industry challenges.
For Harry, it’s a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, engage in forward-thinking discussions, and continue his professional and personal growth—all while contributing to a stronger, more innovative Australian beef industry.
The 2025 Neogen World Angus Forum: A global celebration of Angus cattle
The Neogen World Angus Forum was a roaring success for all involved in the three-week-long event, with delegates from across the globe representing 26 countries, including a delegation of over 1,000 attendees.
Neogen proudly supported three international guests from the US to attend the World Angus Forum, including Don and Jennifer Schiefelbein from Schiefelbein Farms, Minnesota, and Jim Sitz from Sitz Angus, Montana.
World Angus Forum Youth Competition puts testing to the test
As part of the Youth Competition at the Angus Expo in Tamworth, Harry facilitated the ‘Tail to Test’ module. Participants were tasked with snipping follicles from hair samples into wells for DNA testing. It provided insight into part of the DNA testing processes, as well as how manual hair sample processing can be.
The Neogen World Angus Forum in Brisbane was a pinnacle event for us as naming rights sponsor. Neogen’s global and local teams joined local and international producers, researchers and industry leaders for two days of discussion on genetics, technology and the future of beef production. A standout session was Dr Stephen Miller’s presentation, “Where is genomics taking us?” which explored what’s next for genetic improvement.
The Neogen Gala Dinner at The Star Brisbane brought together more than 880 guests and featured Butcher Girl Allison, who showcased Angus beef through a live butchery demonstration. Alison Meagher is a skilled butcher and food educator known for promoting sustainable, nose-to-tail use of beef cuts.
Across both the Angus Expo in Tamworth and the Brisbane conference, Neogen gave away over $40,000 worth of genomic testing. Congratulations to the seven producers who won.
WagyuEdge conference launches WFC v2
Neogen proudly launched Wagyu Feeder Check version 2 at the WagyuEdge’25 Conference held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, WA, in April which was attended by over 550 delegates.
The latest version of Wagyu Feeder Check features enhancements that will benefit the entire Wagyu industry, including a larger, more diverse reference population, more accurate genetic predictions, and suitability for a wider range of Wagyu-cross cattle.
Bobby, Karen, Harry, Hannah, and Laura attended the event on behalf of Neogen, spending the three days engaging with passionate Wagyu producers, feeders, and processors from across Australia that use the event to gain network, gain insight into cutting-edge breed developments, and celebrate the breed.
Read more here.
Beef on dairy producers Plan to Profit following Semex Summit
The opportunities that lie in beef on dairy within the supply chain were explored during the Plan to Profit Summit hosted by Semex at Melbourne, Vic, in May, which Hannah attended.
With key speakers from across Australia and North America, the event shone light on how to optimise sustainability, production, and profitability through beef on dairy, as well as how Semex is paving the way in genetics suitable for this part of the sector.
Neogen is proud to be partnering with Semex in a pilot project to explore the use of genomic testing (including sire verification and genetic predictions) on beef on dairy calves.
Brahman Conference – On the Road: Harry in the Northern Territory
Harry spent a week in the Top End, immersing himself in the heart of the northern beef industry and connecting with Brahman producers, researchers, and industry leaders.
The trip kicked off with tours of live export facilities followed by a full day at the ABBA Conference, where key topics included:
- The role of genetics in commercial indicus herds
- Evolving meat processing strategies
- Insights into major export markets like Indonesia
Harry also attended the Ponderosa Invitational Brahman Bull Sale, before heading out into the paddocks at Sturt Plains and Hayfield Stations. He had the chance to sit down with local producers for roundtable discussions—sharing a cuppa, hearing stories, and learning more about the history and resilience of Northern Territory cattle stations.
Of course, no trip to the NT would be complete without a stop at the iconic Daly Waters Pub!
It was a fantastic week of learning, connection, and support for innovation in the north
Laura attends LLS North West Beef Producer Forum
North West Local Land Services hosted its 8th annual North West Beef Producer Forum on May 15 at the Tangaratta Vineyards, Tamworth, with around 60 producers attending to hear practical advice from leading industry research agencies, feedlot managers, genetics, meat, and soil scientists, as well as local producers sharing their experiences and changes on-farm to deal with fluctuating seasonal conditions.
Highlights of the event included Peter McGilchrist and Sam Clark, both of UNE, breaking down a rump, speaking on eating quality of individual muscles, value added opportunities through carcase utilisation, genetics and finishing systems, and the importance knowing and meeting market specifications to drive profitability.
Gundamain Pastoral Co., Caitlin Herbert, shared the initial findings of her Nuffield Scholarship, exploring how feedlots can contribute to the resilience and sustainability of Australia’s livestock production.
To close out the day attendees heard from local beef producers and winners of MSA’s 2023 Most Outstanding Beef Producers (NSW – Band 2) Gerard and Lucy Gallagher of Tarrabah Pastoral Co., about their experiences during the 2018-2020 drought and how strategies they implemented during this time have strengthened their business.
Brangus Forum: Harry attended the Beef Elevation
More efficient, more consistent event hosted by Brangus Australia, the seminar had key speakers on all aspects of the beef supply chain including both grass-fed and grain-fed brand owners, and industry speakers discussing MSA and genetic tools.
Based in Central QLD in Rockhampton, the event and speakers focused on the northern beef production systems and the challenges breeders have in the north and what strategies can be implemented to ensure sustainability and productivity within your herd and business opportunities that can be achieved.
