Navigating the Future of Australian Beef Production
50th Anniversary of Lardner Park Steer Trial Showcases Industry Insights and Opportunity
This month Food & Fibre Gippsland’s Brodie Anderson, Project Manager – Resilience and Innovation, and Rod Hayes, Senior Manager – Resilience and Innovation, attended the Lardner Park Beef Field Day, a cornerstone event in Gippsland’s food and fibre calendar on November 14th.
The field day this year marked a significant milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Lardner Park Steer Trial. The celebration brought together industry leaders, producers, and special guests to reflect on five decades of progress in the Australian beef sector and to explore strategies for a sustainable, profitable future.
A Day of Insights and Inspiration
The event began with the final weigh-in of the 2025 Steer Trial, followed by a dynamic speaker program in the Events Centre. Attendees were treated to thought-provoking presentations from:
Simon Quilty – Renowned agricultural analyst
Michael Weldon – Coles Ambassador & MasterChef personality
Dyson Heppel – Former AFL footballer and Essendon captain
Market Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges
Simon Quilty’s keynote address provided a deep dive into the current and future state of the Australian beef market. Key takeaways included:
Record global beef prices and strong international demand, particularly for premium organic beef favored by millennial consumers.
Significant herd liquidation in southern Australia, creating both challenges and opportunities for producers.
Bullish forecasts:
Feeder steer prices projected to hit $750 by November 2026
Angus heifers: 35–45% increase
Cows: 30–40% increase
Heavy steers: 20–30% increase
Strategic Recommendations for Producers
Quilty urged producers to focus on long-term resilience and profitability through strategies such as:
Transitioning from trading to breeding
Leveraging technology and data-driven decision-making
Targeting high-value market segments demanding quality differentiation
Building strong industry relationships and embracing continual learning
Reflections from Food & Fibre Gippsland
Brodie Anderson summed up the day’s key message:
“With the Australian beef industry at a pivotal juncture, the Lardner Park Beef Day highlighted that producers who invest in high-quality pastures, embrace innovative practices, stay connected with local agribusiness networks, and adapt to evolving market cycles will be best positioned for sustained success.”
Looking Ahead
The 50th anniversary of the Lardner Park Steer Trial was more than a celebration—it was a call to action. As global markets shift and consumer preferences evolve, Gippsland’s beef producers have an opportunity to lead with innovation, resilience, and collaboration.
