South Australian organiser of the GrainGrowers Innovation Generation conference, Mallala's Hannah Watson, is urging young industry participants to head to the Gold Coast in July for the event.
In its 17th year, the event is expected to attract hundreds of grain industry entrepreneurs, farmers, agriculture professionals and students from July 23 to 25.
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 with Nutrien Ag Solutions Rebecca Underwood.
Speaking as a 2024 IG organising committee member, Ms Watson said the program was packed with the latest industry topics to suit any young ag professional, student, or grower.
"With a mix of guest speakers and panel sessions, IG is the perfect event to broaden knowledge, network and meet like-minded people from all over Australia," she said.
"Everyone who attends this year's event will have a lot of valuable learnings to take home, especially on topics such as succession planning and personal career branding.
"Addressing issues like these will allow people to think deeper than just the daily aspects of life on the farm.
"In addition, keeping up to date with the latest topics, including Ag Tech and AI in Ag, are important factors for the next generation of farmers and ag professionals."
GrainGrowers chief executive officer Shona 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," she said.
"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."
