By KATE BANVILLE
THE various culinary delights of Australia’s best red meat will be on the menu at BEEF 2024 as organisers promise ‘something for everyone’ with a new M’Eat Street ‘carnival’ and entertainment precinct aimed at including locals in the industry celebration.
Organisers of BEEF 2024, Beef Australia’s triennial expo held in the nation’s cattle capital of Rockhampton, are expecting a record-breaking turn out as people travel from around the country and abroad – but securing a bed in Rockhampton could prove trickier than securing a ticket for the event itself.
Beef Australia chief executive Simon Irwin said there was “virtually no accommodation” left, despite tickets only going on sale to the public on October 31.
“The event itself, from a tradeshow point of view, is between 40 and 100 percent over subscribed. So it’s full,” Irwin said.
“You can’t get a room in Rockhampton for love nor money.
“I think people do really give it their best shot to get there because of the fact that it’s a long time between drinks.”
Running from May 5-11 next year, the week-long exhibition and celebration at the Rockhampton Showgrounds is the nation’s largest cattle and beef industry event.
It draws industry leaders, producers and other industry stakeholders from around the country and overseas to discuss the successes, challenges and future of the industry.
Country Caller’s coverage of BEEF 2021
With thousands of cattle on site, Beef Australia’s expo is also the country’s largest cattle judging event.
Irwin said the new and extended program represented the evolution of beef business and depth of opportunities within the industry, as well as its challenges.
“There’ll be a big, big focus there on new tech to make life easier and more accurate on the land, but also on carbon farming and sustainability,” he said.
“I think we’re going into this era of the ‘social licence to eat’ and what are the ethics of eating?
“There are changing expectations that are reflected in the topics that we’ll be discussing with ESG (environmental, social and governance), and carbon neutral or climate neutral.
“And I think one of the interesting things is that in 2024 I don’t think the questions have been settled, let alone answered.”
Animal genetics, sustainability and carbon, food safety, market trends, digitisation, and international trade are expected to be key topics discussed during the many seminars and symposiums.
For something a little lighter for the youngsters there’ll be a dedicated Kids’ Zone with beef education and entertainment.
While other major draw cards include the hotly contested cattle competitions, tradeshow and Tech & Innovation Hub.
Irwin said the event was also an opportunity to celebrate the entire beef producing community, as well as the locals with the after dark events providing no shortage of fun.
There’ll be a chance for all to frock up, enjoy a culinary feast and for those willing – a chance to tear up the dance floor.
For more information and ticket sales, visit Beef Australia’s official website.