Image: Ced Wise, 2025 Bovine Practitioner of the Year delivers a powerful keynote address on Day 1.
The 2026 Cattle Vets Conference was right at home in Brisbane, with the iconic Ekka Showgrounds providing the backdrop for 4 outstanding days of learning, connection and celebration. More than 250 cattle-sector veterinary professionals travelled from across Australia to attend the event, delivered in partnership with the Australian Reproduction Veterinarians (ARV) and Australian Veterinarians in Public Health (AVPH) – making it one of the largest conferences ever hosted by the Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV).
From the outset, the energy was undeniable. The program offered a rich mix of expert-led masterclasses on Monday and Thursday, a strong science-driven program across Tuesday and Wednesday, early-morning exercise sessions, sponsored breakfasts, vibrant social events and a bustling 27-stand trade exhibition. There was truly something for every delegate.
ACV Executive Officer Ian McDonald captured the atmosphere best:
“The vibe was buzzing. This was one of our biggest events ever, with an incredible turnout from the cattle vet community. The focus on bovine reproduction really brought people together to explore the latest innovations in pregnancy testing, semen assessment, and overall reproductive health and wellness.”
Image: The Cattle Vets Conference saw over 250 sector professionals herd into Brisbane.
A powerhouse program
Delegates heard from an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Queensland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Allison Crook, Minitube International Chief Technology Officer Kilian Simmet, and the 2025 Bovine Practitioner of the Year and Managing Director of WiseRepro, Ced Wise. Each presentation delivered practical insights and clear take-home messages that could be applied immediately in practice.
Former ACV President Peter Letchford reflected on a recurring theme emerging throughout the conference:
“The rapidly changing environment driven by technologies and AI is creating enormous opportunities. Whether it’s artificial breeding, semen evaluation, foetal ageing, or data coming from tags, collars or boluses, these tools allow us to extend the reach and quality of the services we provide.”
Image: Zoetis delivered a soldout Monday masterclass focused on investigating reproductive problems to improve business performance.
Science meets curiosity
Day two delivered a major highlight with Karl Kerns, Assistant Professor of Animal Science at Iowa State University, who challenged delegates with the question: Is sperm morphology enough? His deep dive into fertility assessment in bull semen was a significant drawcard, particularly for those involved in the BULLCHECK program. Demand was so strong that his semen assessment masterclass on Thursday sold out quickly and continued to spark conversation well beyond the session.
Image: The ACV Gala Dinner was held at the Stockmens Bar & Grill at the Ekka showgrounds.
Wellness and connection
Balancing the technical program was a powerful wellness keynote from world‑record sailor Lisa Blair. Her gripping story of resilience and decision-making under extreme pressure – including surviving cyclonic conditions with a broken mast – left the room silent and deeply inspired.
As always, the connections between sessions were just as important as the content. The gala dinner at the Stockmen’s Bar and Grill was a standout, bringing delegates together to celebrate the profession. The Jakob Malmo Bovine Practitioner of the Year Award was presented to Enoch Bergman, whose heartfelt acceptance speech was a moving highlight of the evening.
Image: Brendan Brieffies comes in as the new Cattle Vets President in 2026, taking over from Stacey Rae who has been at helm since July 2024.
Thank you and looking ahead
ACV extends sincere thanks to all attendees, our Gold Sponsor Minitube, Bronze Sponsors Boehringer Ingelheim, Vetoquinol and Elanco, and our many supporters and exhibitors whose trade displays continue to be a delegate favourite. Recognition also goes to the ACV Executive Committee, farewelling Stacey Rae, Craig “Woody” Wood and John House, and welcoming Scott Parry, Rosie Waite and Xavier McKinnon. Congratulations to incoming ACV President Brendan Brieffies, who fittingly described the AVA team as “the engine room of this meeting.”
Brisbane delivered, cattle vets showed up in force, and the bar has officially been set. We look forward to continuing the momentum in Hobart in March 2027, in collaboration with the Sheep, Camelid and Goat Veterinarians (SCGV).
Image: ACV Executive Officer, Ian McDonald (far left) with the ACV executive committee including retiring members Stacey Rae, Craig Wood and John House.