LIVEXchange: preliminary program released

27 August 2025

The preliminary program for Australia’s premier livestock export conference features keynote speaker the Hon Andrew Robb AO, Dr Anneline Padayachee (The Food Scientist), panel discussions on the live cattle trade and the WA sheep industry, and a session exploring community sentiment.

LIVEXchange is being held in Perth, 26-27 November 2025. It is organised by LiveCorp and the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Association (ALEC), with host chapter the Western Australian Livestock Exporters’ Association (WALEA).

LiveCorp Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wayne Collier says the diverse line-up of speakers will provide perspectives from outside the industry, as well as those directly involved.

“As a former Trade Minister with a background in animal health and agricultural economics, Andrew Robb is highly qualified to provide insights on the role of livestock exports in Australia and overseas,” Mr Collier said.

“He will speak on the geopolitical significance of livestock exports and how the relationships developed through the supply chain help to boost diplomatic ties between countries.

“Anneline is an award-winning science communicator who’s passionate about agriculture as the foundation of human health.

“We invited her to see the supply chain for herself – from a pre-export quarantine yard and livestock ship being loaded with cattle, to meeting with people who work across the industry. She’s also taking the opportunity to engage with everyday Australians, hearing their views and perceptions of livestock exports.

“We’re looking forward to her insights on the important role the industry plays in providing nutrition overseas.”

ALEC CEO Mark Harvey-Sutton says LIVEXchange will showcase and celebrate all the industry has to offer to communities here and in destination markets.

“We have a stellar line up of people at the grassroots of the industry speaking individually and in panel sessions about their lived experience. Farmers, shearers, livestock transporters, ship owners, shipboard staff, exporters and importers will all have a voice at the conference.”

“Even people who’ve been in and around live exports for years will learn something new.”

WALEA Chair John Cunnington says around 400 delegates are expected from all over Australia and overseas.

“Australian livestock provide meals to people all over the world, including in developing countries where good nutrition and food security are not always assured. The industry’s also an important market for our farmers,” Mr Cunnington said.

“We look forward to welcoming anyone interested in a strong and sustainable industry to Perth, to learn from each other and make connections to help continue making a positive impact.”

Organisers acknowledge the support of the Government of Western Australia and Tourism WA through Business Events Perth and the City of Perth.

SESSION SUMMARIES

Charting the course – The opening session sets the scene for conference delegates. Our keynote speaker will highlight the role of livestock exports in geopolitical and trading relationships, and a panel will discuss the evolution of the industry – especially in Western Australia – over the past 50 years.

Sheep insights and global impact – Western Australia is at the heart of live sheep exports to the Middle East, and this session will explore that long-term relationship and the investments made here and there to support the trade. It will also provide a snapshot of the current state of the WA sheep industry through a panel of supply chain participants.

The power of sentiment – Why should industries care about the community’s sentiment toward them – and what can they do to maintain or improve it? This session will provide some answers, and reveal the latest research on attitudes towards livestock exports.

Red tape and talking straight – This session will explore the ways different industries and individuals respond to the regulatory environment in which they operate, providing real world examples and reflecting on strategies used in the pursuit of reform.

Markets on the move – What are the factors affecting supply and demand for Australian livestock, and who are our customers and competitors? This session will delve into the details with a market outlook and a case study, followed by a panel discussion focused on the live cattle supply chain.

Ship shape: innovative livestock logistics – Technology and data are changing the way the world works, and livestock exports are no different. This session will highlight innovations in infrastructure, measurement, management and reporting which are improving efficiency and animal welfare.

Future ready: the final word – There’s a new generation making its mark in livestock exports, and this session will feature a panel confident in the prosperous and sustainable future of the industry. The conference will wrap up as it began, with a focus on the role of the industry in international relations – this time with insights on the nutrition it provides to families and their communities.