The 2026 BIGG Annual Conference, Thrive Together: Pastures, Livestock and Farmers was held on Thursday 19 February 2026 at Lambert Estate, Angaston. The conference brought together leading experts, local insights and inspiring stories to support resilient, future-focused farming systems including:
- Professor Mark Hutchinson, Adelaide University, explored the complexities and current limitations in understanding animal pain. He outlined emerging interventions — including targeted drug use during procedures such as lamb marking — to improve animal welfare and productivity gains.
- Dr Peter Hayman, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), provided an in-depth update on advances in weather forecasting and demonstrated how producers can apply these tools for both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning.
- Leighton Wilksch, AgByte, presented practical approaches to using weather and soil moisture data to support informed on-farm decision-making.
- Ben Davies, Thomas Foods International, shared insights into the current livestock market outlook and key industry trends.
- Dr Tshewang Dorji, Adelaide University, discussed outcomes from the recent Mt Crawford pasture legume trial aimed at improving drought resilience.
- BIGG Technical Facilitators Brett Nietschke and Deb Scammell, provided an overview of BIGG’s key projects, including mixed pasture trials, a lined catchment demonstration site, the eID grower group and the BIGG internship program.
- Olympic marathoner Jess Stenson, inspired attendees by sharing her journey as an elite athlete and mother, sharing the life lessons in resilience and determination underpinning her success.
- Local Barossa identity Jane Ferrari entertained guests during the conference dinner with stories from her 25 years at Yalumba, where she served largely as the company’s global “storyteller”. Jane highlighted the power of building “brand fortresses” through authentic storytelling to strengthen partnerships and create differentiation within the competitive wine industry.
BIGG gratefully acknowledges and thanks the 2026 Conference sponsors: SA Drought Hub, Landscape SA Northern and Yorke, Landscape SA Murraylands and Riverland, Livestock SA Sheep Industry Fund, and Meat & Livestock Australia.
This event is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered for the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
The 2025 conference Moving Towards Greener Pastures was held on 13 February at Lambert Estate (Angaston).
A lineup of prominent speakers included:
ALLAN PARKER OAM, negotiator & behavioural brain scientist - 'Improving every human Interaction with every person every day'. PAUL MCGORMAN, KI farmer & 2024 Nuffield Scholar - 'Agricultural drones from a farmer's perspective'. MARK INGLIS, Thomas Foods International - 'AU we are in the box seat. Who else is going to supply it?' SARAH WEAVER, University of Adelaide - 'Next generation wool harvesting'. Dinner with presentation from GREG CAMPBELL, former S.Kidman & Co Chief Executive - 'Strategy and culture in the later Kidman years'.Q&A farmer panel facilitated by Talking Livestock's Deb Scammell on the topic 'Livestock farming through challenges and into the future'. Trade displays - learn more about local services and providers. BIGG project updates.2024 Conference - 'Farming Ahead: A Changing Landscape'
Over 95 livestock producers, agriculture students, agribusiness and industry supporters gathered at Lambert Estate (Angaston) on Thursday 8 February 2024.
Seven presenters spoke on topics in response to the theme giving their insights and experiences to assist producers in adapting by adopting progressive strategies in response to an evolving livestock landscape. Whilst dinner guest speaker, best-selling Australian fiction author Fiona McIntosh entertained guests by sharing humorous stories speaking to the conference theme of ‘a changing landscape’.
- 'The Unbreakable Farmer'- Warren Davies
- Insights into Lucindale producer Graham Clothier's farming journey -Graham Clothier
- Breeding and feeding to market specifications: unlocking the genetic potential - Dr Liam Mowbray
- Carbon accounting and natural capital opportunities and challenges - Felicity Turner
- Compare the Pair: Multi vs Conventional Pastures - Brett Nietschke
- BIGG On-farm water innovations technologies project phase 2 - Jane Evans
The BIGG conference was very well supported by sponsors and attendees were able to learn more from local services and providers by visiting the sponsor displays at the conference.
BIGG would like to specifically acknowledge and thank the 2024 Conference sponsors: SA Drought Hub, Landscape SA Northern and Yorke, Landscape SA Murraylands and Riverland, Livestock SA Agri-Silience Program, SA Sheep Industry Fund and Angaston Agricultural Bureau.
