Lamb industry leaders, farmers, ag students, sheep and politicians turned out to support Lambex in Adelaide today.

SOUTH Australia has re-launched Australia’s biggest lamb industry event with a flock of sheep, industry representatives and politicians in Adelaide today.

Six years after the last LambEx conference, organisers today relaunched the 2024 event to be held from 7-9 August at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

The lineup at the re-launch included Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain, South Australi’s Minister for Primary Industries Clare Scriven, SA lamb producer and LambEx chair Jason Schulz, SA Food Ambassadors Duncan Welgemoed and Kris Lloyd, Meat & Livestock Australia managing director Jason Strong, Sheep Producers Australia chief executive officer Bonnie Skinner and other industry executives, plus sheep led by Urrbrae High School students. Participants feasted on char grilled lamb chops for lunch.

Mr Schulz said LambEx 2024 will include speakers on topics that will position producers to make changes to meet the challenges they will face over the next decade.

“It’s about upskilling.”

There conference will also have elements on sustainability, practice change, innovation and efficiency aids, he said.

LambEx chairman Jason Schultz, South Australia’s Minister for Primary Industries Clare Scriven and Sheep Producers Australia chief executive officer Bonnie Skinner at the LambEx launch.

Mr Schulz said the conference has had interest from international delegates and several add-ons to LambEx that industry bodies are organising.

“Globally, we are looked upon as producers of quality sheep and lamb genetics and product, and have a lot to offer, and this conference is definitely showcases that and assists producers domestically and internationally going forward.”

Mr Schulz said there will also be a feedlot lamb carcase competition for producers to benchmark their product against peers based on carcase feedback with an eating quality component.

Mr Strong said the industry had waited a long time to get the biennial event back on track following a series of setbacks around the pandemic.

“LambEx has been around for a long, long time and it’s something that really brings the sheep and lamb industry together like no other event can – so we’re looking forward to seeing it up and running again in 2024.

“It’s also an event that now attracts domestic and international visitors, which for the more than 1200 expected exhibitors is just a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything this industry offers,” he said.

Ms Skinner said there had never been a more exciting time to be working towards an event like LambEx.

“Australia’s sheep meat and wool producers are regarded as among the best in the world and next year’s LambEx will provide the perfect stage to showcase homegrown products from across the country to an audience of domestic and international visitors,” she said.

“Like so many other businesses and events, we couldn’t forge ahead with LambEx during the pandemic – so we can’t wait to see our producers, stakeholders, industry and government friends at this brilliant event.”

Mr Schulz said the organising committee had big ambitions for the 2024 event.

“This event is special because it’s designed by members of the industry for the industry.

“Exhibitors and sponsors will be putting the latest in science, research and tech innovation on show, while the extensive trade exhibition will also showcase some of the boldest and best products on offer,” he said.

Exhibitor registrations for LambEx will open in early 2024. For more information visit www.lambex.org.au