AVA Conference highlights for rural, production and mixed practice veterinarians

Our rural, production and mixed practice veterinarians will be well-represented at AVA Conference in 2024. Explore the comprehensive range of topics online and customise your conference program to your interests. 

For our sheep vets, Australian Wool Innovation will be running an introduction to their highly regarded Lifetime Ewe Management program and ‘Muster and Mingle’ – a social event tailored for rural and regionally-based vets – will be the perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues from all over Australia. 

Scientific program highlights include: 

• ‘Maintaining a career in mixed practice’ - ACV President Craig Wood reflects on a 20+ year career working in a small community, and what he would do differently. 
• ‘Making small ruminant consultancy a part of rural practice’ – Want to use your brain and not just brawn in production medicine? Join Sean McGrath and discover pathways and skills to extend your advice and services to clients. 
• John House will speak on the AVA dairy cattle AMU guidelines, and also the latest in cattle mastitis. 
• Tasmanian vet Rosie Waite will look at crush side pregnancy testing options in cattle, including some newly emerging methods. 
• How and when to use containment feeding: the role of vets in achieving the best outcome, with John Webb-Ware. 
• Does your heart fill with dread when a team member wants to ‘have a talk about my pay’? Join Jason Chuck as he shares a case study on rethinking the salary model for rural/mixed practice. 

With over 120 incredible sessions, there's something for everyone at AVA Conference. Check out this short video on how to customise your AVA Conference program.  

SCGV Lifetime Ewe Management Train the Trainer Workshop  

 Join this Lifetime Ewe Management (LTEM) Train-the-Trainer Workshop for an introduction to the sheep industry’s most influential extension program.    

Participants will hear the Lifetimewool research behind LTEM, delve into what makes the program tick and why it has been so popular and worked so well for many years. Participants will have a chance to hone and test their practical skills in condition scoring, feed on offer assessment and calculating standard reference weight to improve lamb marking percentage, weaning rate and stocking rate, whilst simultaneously reducing ewe mortality rates. 

The full-day workshop will be held at a sheep property near Melbourne, encompassing both theoretical and practical components. Catering and coach transfers to and from Melbourne CBD are included in the price. 

Places are strictly limited and are filling fast – reserve your place today. 

Muster and Mingle 

Welcome to Muster and Mingle – a gathering tailored for rural and regionally-based veterinarians attending the AVA conference. Co-hosted by the Australian Cattle Vets and the Sheep, Camelid and Goat Vets, Muster and Mingle promises a fun evening of collegiality, networking, and the opportunity to forge connections.  

Join us at Ludlow – a riverside Melbourne pub with great city views. Meet vets from across Australia who understand the challenges that come with living and working in rural and regional communities, where your clients are often your mates and footy practice might turn into an impromptu consultation. 

Muster and Mingle will be an unforgettable event, where meaningful bonds are formed and stories flow freely, accompanied by hearty canapés and complimentary drinks. Cheers! 

Don’t miss out on the valuable insights from leading experts in your field, and the opportunity to connect with your professional community. Register today – we look forward to seeing you in Melbourne!