Kidman Springs Field Day showcases research delivering real benefits for industry
Around 90 producers, researchers, industry representatives and government staff gathered at Victoria River Research Station, also known as Kidman Springs, on 19 and 20 August for the 2026 Kidman Springs Field Day, highlighting the latest research and innovations supporting Northern Territory pastoral businesses.
The biennial event showcased the outstanding research, development and extension work being undertaken at Kidman Springs and across the region.
MC Matt Brann (ABC Rural) got day one rolling, introducing the first session of presentations from the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association and DAF, including a biosecurity update from Regional Veterinary Officer Storm Scheepers and an address from the NT Minister for Agriculture, Gerard Maley.
Next came the first panel session of the event, where Trudi Oxley facilitated a discussion on how to best optimise native pastures. DAF Senior Rangeland Scientist Robyn Cowley brought her experience of monitoring long term vegetation change in northern Rangelands, while AACo’s Dan Chapman, and CPC’s Suzie Shearer shared insights on the application of pasture management strategies on commercial properties.
A second panel session focussed on people - from workplace culture and leadership to recruitment and staff retention. Ceny Ramm (NTCA) led the four panellists, Amelia Vellar (CEO DAF), Connie Wood (Wave Hill), Margo Gugger (Cave Creek) and Jake Hicks (Auvergne), through a fascinating discussion which had the whole audience engaged. Their collective experience and knowledge gave great insights into what does and doesn’t work when trying to create a good environment for staff in a pastoral setting and achieving good teamwork.
After lunch, a convoy of vehicles headed out on the paddock tour, where participants saw research projects in action. DAF researchers and extension staff spoke about a range of trials being conducted at Kidman Springs, including the new direction of the Selected Brahman program, results from the EasyP phosphorus supplementation project, the FireGraze and Shruburn trials looking at improving grazing distribution and managing woody vegetation with fire, long-term vegetation change where grazing has been excluded for over 50 years, and results from the legume establishment demonstration.
Back at the cattle yards, attendees were given a first-hand look at virtual fencing with a live demonstration of how the collars are fitted to animals and how the virtual paddocks are set up. Kidman Springs is the largest virtual fencing demonstration in the NT, with around 700 collared animals, and there was very strong interest amongst attendees in seeing how this technology could assist with animal and pasture management in extensive systems.
The first day wrapped up overlooking the spectacular view from the Kidman hill, with dinner cooked by DAF’s Penny Collins and her two helpers who provided amazing catering across the whole event.
Day 2 began bright and early with a presentation over breakfast from Farmbot, followed by a market update with Patrick Moran (NTLEA), North Australia Beef Research Council update from the Chair, Paul Burke, and seasonal outlook by Emily Hinds (NACP). This was followed by another panel session in which Matt Brann discussed opportunities for diversification and intensification in the region with Paul Burke (Pastoral Land Board), Cheyne Williams (Legune, AAM) and Rusty Richter (Heytesbury). There were many learnings and insights from this panel on some of the innovative ideas being integrated into pastoral operations. Tying in with the intensification theme, presentations on the Crops for Cattle project (Tim Schatz, DAF) and feedlotting at Kununurra Research Station (James Dogherty, CSIRO) followed.
DAF staff provided some quickfire updates and Q&A time on calf loss research, vaccine lump trials and pain relief at branding, before the program moved to the last session of the event – another panel. This one focussed on breeder herd management with a very experienced line up of David Johnston (UNE), Kim Agnew (Sorensis) and Peter Letchford (Pastoral Veterinary Solutions), facilitated by DAF’s Gretel Bailey-Preston. The conversation ranged from genetics and EBVs, to new tech that aims to provide a contraceptive alternative to spaying, and overall herd management to lift breeder performance.
One of the standout features of the field day was the strong level of engagement from participants, with robust discussion, knowledge sharing and plenty of questions throughout the program. The event also provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing producers, researchers and industry stakeholders to connect and share ideas.
A massive thankyou goes to all the sponsors, project collaborators, presenters, attendees and DAF staff who made the event happen.
