Go west, young man. Or, in this case– go west, young people, and head to the upcoming annual GrainGrowers Innovation Generation conference scheduled for 22-24 July in Fremantle, Western Australia.
The event, now in its 18th year, has been designed specifically for industry participants aged 18–35. Running under the theme “fields of opportunity”, Innovation Generation features a future-focused program addressing a wide range of industry opportunities and challenges.
With Innovation Generation just weeks away, GrainGrowers is urging grain industry entrepreneurs, farmers, food industry and agriculture professionals and students to go online, grab their tickets and prepare to enjoy a future-focused conference addressing industry opportunities and challenges.
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said attendees would hear from a range of great speakers and agricultural leaders with real-life experience and network with other industry participants.
“Each year Innovation Generation seeks to empower our future leaders and industry participants to consider ways to address key opportunities, and it is motivating to see young people enthusiastically reflecting on ways to tackle these challenges.”
“Fremantle will be another great event, and I would encourage people to set aside some time away from the farm and come to listen and get involved in the discussions. For young grain industry participants, it is a great way to refresh, update and network with peers from across Australia,” Ms Gawel said.
The keynote address will be delivered by one of Australia’s most celebrated track cyclists, Anna Meares OAM. Discussing innovation in mindset, she will present her thoughts on resilience, adaptability and mental strength: qualities some might say are equally required in racing and in meeting the seasonal vagaries of growing a crop.
Well-known Western Australian grower Rod Birch, Managing Director of Catalina Farms, will share his story of how he took over operations on the property in 1980 and its journey to present-day success.
For those with an interest in branding, innovation and the premium product market, the story of Four Pillars Gin will be told by Stuart Gregor.
Other topics include:
- Safety first and last
- Coming on to the land – conversations about change, place and belonging
- Shaping the future of grain advocacy
- Navigating the future of grain growing
- What gene editing really means for the grains industry
- Regenerative agriculture – what’s the fuss, and where is the opportunity
- Managing the machines of tomorrow, balancing innovation, costs and operational efficiency
In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s “Great Debate”, which will be taking a light-hearted approach with Team West versus Team East. Well-known figures in the grains industry will be making the case for where on-farm innovation is more advanced.
Networking opportunities include tours to Quaker Oats and Little Creatures Brewery, a social night that will bring out everyone’s sporting allegiances and a closing dinner at the Old Fremantle Prison.
Additional information, including online registration, is available through the website at: https://www.innovationgeneration.com.au/tickets
GrainGrowers thanks its Innovation Generation supporters: Platinum Partner, Nutrien Ag Solutions; Keynote Partner, CBH Group; Bespoke Partners, GRDC and the NFF; Activity Night Partner, John Deere; Destination Partner, Western Australia Business Events Perth; Major Financial Partner, Rabobank; Gold Partners, Loam and Planfarm; Bronze Partners, RuralBiz Training and Agworld; Lunch Sponsor, Farmsafe Australia and Sponsor, Intergrain.
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