Join B+LNZ for the biggest event in New Zealand’s red meat calendar – all centred around the theme: A sector fit for the future, today.

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Expect world-class speakers, practical takeaways, meaningful networking opportunities, and a few good laughs, topped off with a lively gala dinner.

Out the Gate 2026 brings farmers together from across the country for two and a half days of learning, connection, and celebration.

This year, the programme is bigger than ever, with the option to attend the Sheep Breeder Forum and the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards Dinner alongside the main Out the Gate event.

Powered by the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farmer Council & Kāhui, Out the Gate 2026 is your chance to get ahead of what’s coming, hear from world‑class speakers, connect with others shaping the future of sheep and beef farming, and explore the latest farmer-focused research and innovation.

You’ll walk away with practical takeaways to apply on‑farm that will help you navigate a fast‑changing sector with confidence  

Full programme coming soon.

Programme overview

19 May – Sheep Breeder Forum ($145)

A full day sheep genetics conference bringing together stud breeders, scientists and industry professionals for focused discussion, updates on nProve and the national sheep genetics evaluation (NZGE), and hands on learning. The evening includes pre dinner networking drinks for Forum attendees, followed by dinner.

Learn more about the Sheep Breeder Forum.

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20 May – Out the Gate (free for farmers)

Powered by the B+LNZ Farmer Council and Kāhui, our flagship day features:

• Expert insights into global markets, animal agriculture, and the forces shaping food systems
• Smaller breakout sessions covering innovation, diversification, Māori agribusiness, farm electrification, AI, dairy beef, biodiversity, and more
• A political panel
• Plenty of time to connect with farmers from across New Zealand and beyond

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20 May – Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards Dinner ($225 inc GST)

Celebrate the outstanding people driving progress in the sector as we recognise finalists and announce this year’s award winners.

Learn more about the B+LNZ Awards.

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21 May – Science Sessions (free for farmers)

Join us for a morning of science sessions exploring B+LNZ’s most exciting farmer research and innovation. You’ll hear about the latest insights shaping the future of genetics, farm systems, parasite resistance, AI-enabled farm data, knowledge gleaned from the 75‑year B+LNZ Insights dataset, and more.

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