Australian Grain Leaders Program graduate, David Robb has urged fellow grain producers and agricultural professionals to take up the opportunity to head to the Gold Coast on 23-25 July for the annual GrainGrowers Innovation generation conference.
The well-established event, now in its seventeenth year, is expected to attract hundreds of grain industry entrepreneurs, farmers, agriculture professionals and students to participate in a variety of educational sessions plus entertainment and networking opportunities.
To date, confirmed speakers include Rugby League legend and farm safety advocate Shane Webcke, world record sailor and climate activist Lisa Blair, Loam Bio co-founder Tegan Nock, GRDC Senior Regional Manager Gillian Meppem, John Deere Precision Ag Marketing Manager Max Cusack, and Head of Commercial Sustainability, Nutrien Ag Solutions Rebecca Underwood.
A Queensland grower, member of the event program committee, and self-described agricultural enthusiast from Bungunyah, Mr Robb emphasized the event provided a unique platform.
“The conference has been specifically designed for young industry participants to come together, share their innovative ideas, deepen their understanding of critical industry issues, and forge valuable connections with like-minded individuals.”
"Innovation Generation has a different 'feel' than other events, where the next generation of producers and professionals take centre stage. This event gives the up-and-coming agriculture participants the opportunity to get together and exchange ideas about issues, talk through the things they are doing, and discuss what they have planned for the next few years."
"I look forward to hearing the presentations and how participants respond to the challenges presented to them."
Mr Robb said the issue of sustainability was just one of several topics to be discussed.
"The scheduled participants will examine the issue, not just from a carbon perspective, but looking at the wider issues and the motivation that is pushing change. The challenge will be to examine these issues from the perspective of how this can ultimately benefit the wider industry."
Mr Robb said the event was developed to discuss relevant issues and allow appropriate time for social interaction and networking.
"Innovation Generation is not just an event to attend; it's an opportunity to actively participate and contribute. It offers a balanced mix of information, discussion, and networking, all in a setting that encourages you to engage and build relationships with others in our industry.”
Mr Robb said he would like to encourage growers and agricultural professionals to take advantage of the opportunities a unique event like Innovation Generation offers the next generation of the Australian grain industry.
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the future-focused conference, designed to address industry opportunities and challenges, should not be missed.
Ms Gawel said the event had been developed by a working group of growers and ag professionals with a focus on equipping and empowering tomorrow’s agricultural leaders in a very practical manner with the information and skills needed to address industry opportunities and challenges.
“The event is an exciting occasion for our emerging industry professionals to hear from a range of great speakers and agricultural leaders with real-life experience and network with other industry participants.
"Over the past decade this event has grown from strength to strength, and it is motivating to see and experience people getting directly involved in the challenges facing the industry,” Ms Gawel said.
Innovation Generation comprises a mix of speakers, panel discussions on agriculture's role in addressing global climate challenges, alternative agricultural careers, and diversity in agriculture, practical workshops, and social functions.
The sessions will include the following:
- A keynote session, "Exploring the Future of Ag."
- The importance of communication in career development.
- Exploring agriculture’s role in addressing global climate challenges, highlighting innovative practices and technology designed to enhance resilience and productivity.
- Practical insights into the value of prioritising workplace safety.
- Succession planning to allow a smooth transition of assets and responsibilities to the next generation.
- Unlocking the real on-farm benefits in using cutting-edge technology in agriculture.
- Advancing agriculture through digital transformation, exploring advancements like aerial imaging and precision agriculture software and how they can enhance farm efficiency.
- An examination of market trends, supply and demand dynamics, and potential trade opportunities that can assist informed decision and maximise opportunities for growth.
- An assessment of diversity in agriculture, understanding how to harness a wide range of perspectives to drive progress and innovation in agriculture.
- The future landscape of supply chains from farm to market, considering cutting edge strategies and trends shaping the supply chains of tomorrow from a focus of discovering how growers can gain control and efficiency and maximise profits.
The concluding evening dinner at the Glasshouse venue serves as the “pièce de resistance”, wrapping up the conference with a special twist to the entertainment.
Tickets are now on sale, and additional information, including online registration and information on discounted accommodation is available through the website at: https://www.innovationgeneration.com.au/about
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Quotable Quotes from participants
Katherine Munn
Hailing from Albury and with a range of agricultural experience already on her resume, Ms Munn emphasised the event provided a different platform for participants.
Ms Munn said Innovation Generation was a unique opportunity to make real connections with like-minded individuals across the ag sector while learning more about new technologies, trade issues, and solutions.
"When it comes to conferences, there are plenty where we can learn about new pesticides, plant varieties, and machinery, but not as many where we can dedicate time to discuss higher-level topics like carbon farming, supply chain, safety on-farm, and professional development."
"The greatest thing about IG is that everyone is in the same age bracket, starting out in their careers or in early-mid careers, so it provides a comfortable environment to ask questions without feeling like the 'rookie' in the room."
Ms Munn underscored the practical nature of the event, citing a presentation from the 2022 conference on time management that significantly impacted her work approach. This practicality is a hallmark of Innovation Generation, offering insights and strategies that can be immediately applied in the professional sphere.
"That one presentation taught me to focus on the big picture without getting bogged down in smaller tasks. That is not to say that the smaller tasks are unimportant, but my take-home message was to step back and evaluate where time is best spent."
"In the current environment, there are so many technologies and hot topics. This year's program will help attendees consider how many of these can be applied to their business operations."
Ms Munn said she was most looking forward to the session on mastering communication and developing elevator pitches.
"No matter what we undertake, our personal brand is critical to business success. It's difficult to put your own value into words, so I think this will be a great session with some good interaction," she said.
Rosie Archer
Southern Riverina grain farmer and Trade Execution Co-ordinator at CHS Broadbent in Ballarat, Rosie Archer said the event, which is aimed at industry participants aged 18-35, was a great opportunity to connect, listen to, and learn from others in the industry.
“As a member of the organising committee, I am excited by the program we have developed, and I am confident that it will be an exciting and beneficial event for those who choose to attend.”
“Innovation Generation is a great opportunity for younger people who may not otherwise attend industry events to get out there, meet like-minded people, and discuss relevant industry issues in a thought-provoking environment.”
Ms Archer said the program content covers a wide range of topics surrounding grain growing, from career development outside the farm gate, to diversity in ag, and supply chains of the future.
“The intention is that everyone who attends IG can walk away with a renewed purpose and goal, having been invigorated and challenged by not only the speakers but by the social interactions with other attendees.”
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Media contact: Chris Rowley
P: 0415 140 253 | Email chris.rowley@graingrowers.com.au