Young farmers and ag professionals gathered for Day 2 of the Innovation Generation conference, which continued to explore emerging leaders, ag tech and sustainable farming.
Attendees heard from a grower panel featuring Condamine grower Nigel Corish, alongside Curlewis grower Kate Gunn and Mingenew grower Rebecca Kelly, that looked at what’s happening on farm around Australia. “I would tell my younger self to put my hand up for leadership opportunities in ag. As a graduate of GrainGrowers’ Grains Social Leadership program, I’ve had the chance to expand my skills as an influential voice in grains and get involved in our fantastic industry,” said Nigel Corish.
CEO of Cultivate Farms, Sam Marwood, guided attendees through a farm ownership plan, how to partner with entrepreneurial farmers and showcase passion to potential investors. “People want to see the next generation owning their own farm and having a crack. So, growers should try to show investors their genuine selves to make that genuine match,” said Sam.
An expert panel also covered Carbon and Grain Farming and where to start with tracking carbon on farm. Ben White from Kondinin Group, Liam Molotoni from Boortmalt, Dr Cheryl Kalisch Gordon from Rabobank and York grower Rhys Turton discussed how carbon is influencing decision making across the supply chain and what growers can do to understand their carbon scoring. “There’s so much to unpack when it comes to carbon. Growers can read GrainGrowers’ Carbon and Cropping guide, which looks at some of the basics of measuring carbon on farm, and explores carbon credits,” said panel facilitator Fiona McCredie, GrainGrowers’ Policy Manager – Sustainability and NRM.
Paralympic Gold Medalist Scott Reardon from Temora NSW lost the lower half of his leg in a farm accident and has emerged as an athlete. Scott shared the importance of having a support network in his life and the support of his hometown community. “Farming communities support each other like no other,” said Scott.
Participants departed for off-site tours in the afternoon, heading to the FMC manufacturing facility on the Central Coast, the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre to learn about food science, the Elizabeth McAuthur Agricultural Institute and Batch Brewing Co in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West. The tours are a chance to get attendees out and about with some hands-on activities and exclusive insight into various points in the supply chain.
Innovation Generation will be held 18-20 July in Sydney and has welcomed over 250 young growers and ag professionals so far.
Link to download high-resolution images: Dropbox |View the IG 2022 program schedule: website