Supporting landowners and pastoralists in northern Western Australia and the NT
Helping strengthen their resilience to climate challenges — from drought to rising temperatures, through practical innovation and proven know-how.
Northern Hub
We assist land managers to continually improve their knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions.
“Old themes including managing stocking rates, capturing rainfall effectively, and planning for risk mitigation.
“New” themes include monetising natural capital, integrating forage and beef production, and identifying sustainable farming systems.
When people are empowered, land systems are optimised for production and preservation
Latest News
NBRUC 2026 biggest conference to date
NBRUC 2026 brought the theme “From Research to Results: Driving Paddock Performance” to life, with a clear focus on turning innovation into practical outcomes for the northern beef industry.
Held in March, the conference drew a record 300+ delegates, including 70 pastoralists, highlighting strong industry engagement and a forward-looking mindset.
Presentations centred on producer-led research priorities, with an emphasis on productivity, pasture performance, and managing climate variability. Tools like AgValuate, ESG metrics and BeefVantage are supporting more informed, data-driven decisions, improving both on-farm performance and long-term business outcomes.
Collaboration was a major focus. The Northern Hub, TNQ Drought Hub and SQNNSW Innovation Hub jointly sponsored the conference dinner, recognising industry contributions across research, leadership and training. TNQ Drought Hub Director David Phelps reinforced the importance of connecting research with real-world conditions to ensure practical impact.
Extension and adoption were also front of mind. Gascoyne Node Manager Krystie Bremer highlighted the value of locally driven priorities and co-design, noting: “When research supports local knowledge rather than replacing it, adoption follows.”
The conference also strengthened partnerships across research organisations, with Charles Darwin University, Central Queensland University and James Cook University progressing collaboration through the Northern Universities Alliance. Insights from the Northern Beef Council further ensured emerging research remains aligned with industry needs.
Events like NBRUC continue to play a vital role in bridging the gap between research and practice across northern Australia.
Backing the Conferences that Matter
NTCA’s Annual Industry Conference rolled into action last month and what a show of commitment from the cattle industry. Despite widespread flooding across the NT and Cyclone Narelle making a not-so-subtle approach, producers still turned up in force.
A key role of the Northern Hub is to build capacity, strengthen connections, and foster collaboration across northern agriculture. In plain terms, that means making sure producers have access to the latest research, innovations, and the people behind them. And there’s no better place for that than industry-led events where conversations are real, practical, and grounded in experience.
We have proudly supported and fostered these connections over the years through our sponsorships of KPCA, Territory Resource Management, NBRUC and NTCA conferences. Backing the organisations that bring together producers, suppliers, researchers, government, and industry leaders isn’t just support, it’s an investment in the future of the northern cattle industry.
This year was especially rewarding, with all eight Northern Hub node managers from the NT, Gascoyne, Pilbara, and Kimberley attending. They made the most of every opportunity, from attending presentations to catching up with producers and exhibitors.
The conference program delivered, with keynote speakers sharing valuable insights on markets, data, and industry trends. But as always, some of the most valuable takeaways came from the conversations on the sidelines—discussions that centred on fuel and fertiliser security, market volatility, and the ongoing impacts of flooding and damaged road networks. It’s clear that the advocacy work of organisations like NTCA and KPCA remains critical in helping producers navigate these challenges.
We were also pleased to once again partner with the Northern Australia Climate Program, with Climate Mate and BOM representative Emily Hinds providing regular weather updates.
Interim Director Ksenia Sawczak also took the stage to highlight current projects supporting cattle producers across the region, reinforcing the Hub’s commitment to practical, on-the-ground outcomes.
All in all, another strong, well-attended event and a reminder of the resilience, adaptability that define the northern cattle industry. Bring on 2027 in Alice Springs!
EvokeAG 2026
AgriFutures evokeAG. is Asia Pacific’s annual showcase of bold ideas, groundbreaking innovations and disruptive science driving agriculture towards a better future. Entering its sixth year, evokeAG. continues to facilitate investment, nurture innovation and create impact, which is reflected in its new evergreen tagline: Invest. Innovate. Impact.
The Hubs Knowledge Broker, David Gallacher was there, take a read of his observations!
Tech Trends worth watching
Drone mustering - The big change in this space in 2025 was the CASA relaxation of rules mean stations can now get approval to fly drones on‑property within weeks. Drone Hand is pushing into livestock work, including mustering and yard counts, and is setting up an assembly plant in Darwin. Rising helicopter maintenance costs are driving interest in drone alternatives.
Virtual fencing Halter is now the dominant player, valued at over US$1b and expanding across NZ, the US and Australia. They expect NT licensing in 2026. A newcomer to watch is AgX, developing shock‑free virtual fencing using ear tags instead of collars—cheaper, easier to fit and more animal‑ethics friendly.
AI for extension
Large language models are starting to support farm extension. Chat BCG launched in Victoria using 30 years of cropping info. A similar NT-focused knowledge bank could be built from public domain resources if industry wants it.
Forage & farm management
AgriWebb continues to grow across the north and has significantly upgraded its forage tools. CSIRO is developing forage quality assessments that will plug in. A major project underway aims to add an AI “decision assistant” that suggests management actions based on property, herd, weather and market data.
Automated cropping Ornata now offers remote tractor operation by retrofitting existing machinery with cameras and safety systems. One operator can oversee multiple tractors, offering labour flexibility and the potential for 24‑hour operations when timing is critical.
Our Priority Pillars
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The Northern Hub prioritises the inclusion and empowerment of First Nations communities, ensuring their knowledge systems and contributions are central to resilience strategies.
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Building human capacity is integral to driving transformational change in northern agricultural systems.
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Promoting sustainable land management practices is critical to maintaining productivity and biodiversity.
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Advancing the capacity to participate in nature-based markets through policy evaluation and stakeholder engagement.
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Supporting proactive management of climate variability, risks, and biosecurity challenges.
Our partners
Upcoming events.
Stay updated on events that empower our region through drought resilience, biodiversity conservation, and climate action.
From community-led workshops to expert panels and networking opportunities, our events foster collaboration and sustainable solutions for a stronger future.
