Registrations now open for 2026 BIGG Conference 'Thrive Together: Pastures, Livestock and Farmers'
Livestock producers, agribusiness professionals and industry supporters from the Barossa and surrounding regions are invited to connect, learn and be inspired at the BIGG Annual Conference, to be held on Thursday 19 February 2026 at Lambert Estate, Angaston.
This year’s theme, Thrive Together: Pastures, Livestock and Farmers provides a valuable opportunity to come together while gaining informative and thought-provoking insights from a diverse range of respected speakers.
Keynote speaker Dr Peter Hayman, Principal Scientist – Climate Applications at SARDI and Deputy Director of the SA Drought Hub, has more than 30 years’ experience translating climate science into practical farming applications. Dr Hayman’s presentation will explore how climate science can support pasture and livestock management, highlighting the value of informed decision-making in modern, data-rich farming systems. As Dr Hayman explains, when uncertainty is unavoidable, it’s better to be a bookie than a punter.
Also joining the program is Olympic marathon runner Jess Stenson (née Trengove), presenting A Love for the Long Run. Jess will share how early life experiences helped shape her sporting career and journey into parenthood. Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of elite marathon competition on domestic and international stages, she will unpack the powerful life lessons she has learned along the way.
Adding a touch of Barossa flavour, Jane Ferrari, independent consultant and former Global Brand Ambassador at Yalumba Wines, will join the conference as the dinner speaker. Jane will explore real-world case studies from the wine industry and agriculture to show how “brand fortresses,” shared reputation, and quality-by-association can strengthen individual enterprises and elevate the Barossa as a whole.
The conference program also features presentations from:
- Leighton Wilksch, Director and AgTechnologist, AgByte on Using weather and soil moisture data for on-farm decision making.
- Dr Tshewang Dorji on findings from The University of Adelaide’s Drought Resilient Pasture Legume Trial at Mt Crawford.
- Livestock industry update (speaker to be confirmed).
- Professor Mark Hutchinson of The University of Adelaide (further details to come).
- BIGG project updates.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local services and providers through on-site trade displays.
Registrations are now open. To attend the BIGG Annual Conference, become a BIGG member and register online at www.biggroup.org.au.
BIGG specifically acknowledges and thanks the 2026 Conference sponsors: SA Drought Hub, Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, Livestock SA Sheep Industry Fund and Meat and 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.