2027 Leading Breeder
Leading Breeder 2027
The Leading Breeder Conference will return in 2027, bringing together industry leaders, breeders, researchers and stakeholders to explore the future of Sheep Genetics and livestock improvement.
Held over two half days on 10-11 March 2027 in Wagga Wagga, the conference will feature four thought provoking sessions focused on future industry opportunities, livestock credentials, sustainability, and lessons from other genetic evaluation systems. A formal Leading Breeder Awards Dinner will be held on the evening of 10th of March 2027, providing an opportunity to recognise industry achievements and network with peers.
Attendees can purchase either:
- Conference and Dinner Tickets (includes both conference days and the awards dinner); or
- Dinner Only Tickets for those unable to attend the conference sessions.
Session summaries (Full Agenda will be released in the coming months):
Future Focused: The next decade will present significant opportunities for Australian sheep breeding. This session will explore the emerging technologies, research and strategic investments that are shaping the next phase of genetic improvement. Biotechnology, gene editing, emerging traits, advances in genetic evaluation and MLA’s long-term industry direction will highlight the developments likely to influence the industry’s future.
Livestock Credentials: Livestock credentials have been identified as a key ambition within MLA's Strategic Plan 2030. This session will explore how genetic information can move with livestock through the supply chain, supporting value-based marketing, improved data flow, and greater recognition of the value created through genetic improvement.
Stronger Together: The Australian sheep industry benefits from collaboration across breeds, evaluations, species and research programs. This session will challenge attendees to think beyond traditional boundaries by exploring the strengths of different genetic evaluation systems, lessons from international benchmarking initiatives, and opportunities to learn from genetic improvement programs in other livestock industries.
Sustainability: Genetic improvement can contribute to healthier, more efficient and more resilient livestock production systems. This session will explore current research and industry initiatives across animal health, immune competence, feed efficiency and methane emissions. It will also consider how sustainability traits can be incorporated into breeding programs and communicated through the supply chain.
Join industry leaders, innovators and breeders as we explore the future of genetic improvement and the opportunities shaping the Australian sheep industry's next decade.