110 producers, advisors, and researchers from across northern Australia.
Calf Alive 2025 Wraps Up with Strong Industry Support
Calf Alive 2025 has come to a close after three dynamic days in Longreach, drawing more than 110 producers, advisors, and researchers from across northern Australia.
The conference provided an energetic mix of practical sessions, research updates, and on-property demonstrations—all centred on improving calf survival and reproductive performance in northern beef herds.
Proceedings began in the cattleyards at Longreach Station, where Dr Michael McGowan and Dr Geoffry Fordyce led interactive sessions on bull screening, selection, and management. AACo’s James Copley shared insights from large-scale breeding programs, while Elsie Vincent and Meghan Anderson from Black Box Co discussed how genetic data can sharpen decision-making. International guest Dr Alison Meyer, from the University of Missouri, presented her findings on maternal nutrition and its effects on calf outcomes, complementing the project’s focus on pre-calving management and reproductive efficiency.
Attendees later visited Kenya Station, where discussions turned to how nutritional and management strategies can be translated into real on-ground improvements.
Project coordinator Associate Professor Luis Prada e Silva said the level of participation and openness to collaboration reflected a strong appetite for practical, science-backed solutions.
“Seeing producers, researchers, and industry all working side by side was a real highlight,” he said. “Our focus has always been on practical nutrition and management strategies that can make a measurable difference in cow and calf performance.”
From outback Queensland to the Northern Territory, participants travelled long distances to be part of the event—a fitting finale to a five-year project dedicated to lifting productivity and resilience across the northern beef industry.
