MerinoLink Conference coming to Armidale

Published 04 February 2026

Australia’s leading sheep and wool researchers, producers and industry professionals will gather in Armidale this month for two days of innovation and collaboration at the annual MerinoLink conference.

This is the first time in nearly 10 years the event will be held in the New England region, offering local producers an unparalleled opportunity to hear directly from some of the brightest minds in the industry.

The program features standout sessions from UNE's Professor Julius van der Werf on methane mitigation in grazing sheep, SQNNSW Innovation Hub’s Jaimi-Lee Edwards on Ag360, and a benchmarking industry panel bringing producers face-to-face with experts tackling today's biggest challenges.

UNE’s Dr Emma Doyle is on the organising committee and says there will be something for everyone.

“From the latest in methane mitigation, to forecasting environmental conditions on farm, to key issues impacting the wool market, the topics covered at this year’s conference will be valuable to anyone who has anything to do with sheep and wool,” says Dr Doyle.

“UNE’s sheep and wool team is proud to be sponsoring an event of this calibre, and we are excited for our academics and alumni to have their world-class research on show.”

Another highlight of the conference will be the MerinoLink Andrew Swan Industry Dinner, which will be an opportunity to network and recognise the major contributions the late Professor Andrew Swan made to the field of sheep genetics during his time as Chief Scientist at UNE’s Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU).

“This will be an opportunity for everyone to catch up with friends and peers, make new connections and gather together to support our industry,” says Dr Doyle.

Secure your ticket today to access exclusive discounts, priority networking opportunities, accommodation deals and updates as the program develops.

Register and find out more via the MerinoLink website.


Key Details:

WHEN: 26– 27 February

WHERE: Conference will be held at Armidale ExServices Club, 137 Dumaresq Street, Armidale. The Industry Dinner will take place at The Bistro, UNE.