Join us for the biggest event in New Zealand’s red meat calendar – all centred around the theme: A sector fit for the future, today.
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
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.
20 May – Out the Gate (free for farmers and Rural and Industry Professionals $200)
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
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.
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.
Speaker highlights
Simon Quilty
Meat market expert for AgriTrends
Back by popular demand, Simon will share insights into what the global markets are doing and what's on the horizon.
Mike Casey
CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa
Mike is an entrepreneur and cherry orchardist from Central Otago who has electrified all the machines on his farm. He'll share insights into opportunities for solar generation on farm.
Bonnie Skinner
CEO Sheep Producers Australia
Providing an Australian context: How are sheep producers in Australia performing, what are they focusing on to future-proof their industry and what should Kiwi producers should be aware of and excited about.
Full programme
This event is proceeding as planned. B+LNZ is monitoring the national fuel supply situation. If the event were to be cancelled, registered attendees will be refunded.
Staying on in Christchurch? Come to E Tipu!
Out the Gate 2026 is followed by E Tipu – the New Zealand Future Food and Fibre Summit, held 21-22 May. Out the Gate attendees can access a heavily discounted E Tipu ticket for $515, making it the perfect chance to continue the conversation on the future of food and farming. Get E Tipu tickets today.
Thank you to our partners
