Fresh produce cold chain workshop to showcase the latest in supply chain innovation
2022-11-16 13:00 - 17:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | Gatton Research Facility, 107 John Howie Memorial Drive, Lawes, QLD, 4343, Australia
1pm-5.30pm (AEST) | Wednesday 16 November
The Gatton Smart Farm is hosting a fresh produce cold chain workshop for growers and supply chain businesses in November with support from the Lockyer Valley Growers Association.
Supply chain experts from Escavox, iTrazo, Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the University of Queensland will talk about the latest innovations in temperature management, packaging and supply chain traceability, followed by an industry Q&A panel and buffet dinner.
Where: Gatton Research Facility, 107 John Howie Memorial Drive, Lawes, QLD (online attendance is available).
Click here to RSVP.
Contact: Leisa Bradburn on 0477 351 230 or at Leisa.Bradburn@daf.qld.gov.au.

Australian Organic Market Report 2023 Launch
2023-05-02 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Studio 4 of the W Brisbane Hotel, Brisbane, QLD
Australian Organic Limited CEO Niki Ford and the AOL Board of Directors would like to invite operators to attend our Australian Organic Market Report 2023 Launch, to be held at the W Brisbane on Tuesday, 2 May 2023.

AOL has been producing research-based market reports since 2008, but the 2023 iteration of our Market Report will take matters one step further by establishing baseline goals for the broader organic industry.

The comprehensive ‘state of the nation’ report breaks down organic production into multiple pre and post-farmgate categories, providing specific and actionable insights on industry sectors. AOMR23 will offer a crucial economic benchmark for plotting the future course of our growing industry, and will act as the centrepiece for in-depth policy discussions on broader issues involving agriculture, industry and trade.

Title: Australian Organic Market Report 2023 Launch
Location: Studio 4 of the W Brisbane Hotel, Brisbane, QLD
Date: Tuesday 2nd May 2023
Time: 6-9pm
Cost: Members $25+GST per person, Non-Members $45+GST per person
Registration: https://austorganic.com/events/australian-organic-market-report-2023-launch/

Brisbane: Retail Negotiation Skills Workshops
2024-02-13 - 2024-02-14 | TBC
To expand your skills in managing commercial sales relationships with retailers, AUSVEG is hosting two-day Retail Negotiation Skills Workshops in 2024, in collaboration with NextGen’s Neil Rechlin.

Most growers are very good at negotiating the price of farm equipment and understanding the latest technology. However, it is often not the case when dealing with retailers. Effective engagement will ensure growers get a fairer return for their hard work to grow fresh produce.
AUSVEG, in partnership with NextGen, recently conducted a training course in Melbourne for growers to learn retailer negotiation skills.
Presenter Neil Rechlin says that many growers receive the contract details from the retailer, but often don’t understand them, or the strategy that underpins the discussion. To be in a better position, grower knowledge of what drives retailer behaviour and their tactics goes a long way to improving the outcome for the grower.
Neil says there is consistent poor behaviour from retailers because they face no punishment, and no consequences. The ability to police and fine retailers for poor behaviour would be a significant step forward that can only be achieved through making the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct mandated. Under the legal framework, the current voluntary code does not allow for fines to be levied against retailers for a breach.
“It really does come down to the supplier understanding where they can benefit, what the change of behaviour from their trading partnership should look like, and then being in the position to start enforcing that. Many fear upsetting the retailer and pushing their rights too far and risking the contract.”
For the past seven years Neil has led the NextGen involvement in the Grocery Code of Conduct, working with manufacturers, industry bodies and the ACCC to continue the evolution of the Code in Australia. Neil has a passion for helping suppliers in their sometimes challenging engagements, with the major retailers and wholesalers.
Download the course details pdf here: Negotiation_AusVeg_23
Please indicate your Expression of Interest by emailing publicaffairs@ausveg.com.au. Don’t forget to include which event you are interested in attending.

Carbohydrate monitoring for orchard management - Childers
2024-03-08 12:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | QLD
If your trees could talk...
What would they tell you about carbohydrate levels?
How will knowing more about carbohydrate stores help you, to help them?
How will measuring plant carbohydrates help you on farm?
Growers are invited to join Growcom and precision-ag farming experts from Agri Technovation this March.
At this practical workshop you will explore the multiple benefits of tools like carbohydrate sampling to improve nutrient budgeting and management practices.
Presenters will cover:

Crop physiology – carbohydrates, managing energy and nutrient demand.
Crop and soil physiology – managing soil health for root development (in field).
Carbohydrate monitoring for orchard management and productivity gains.
Results and critical actions based on carbohydrate data. For example pruning schedule.
Potential impact on nutrition and water management.

Carbohydrate monitoring for orchard management - Mareeba
2024-03-12 12:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | QLD

Resilience in Agriculture Workshop
2024-03-14 09:00 - 13:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Vista Room, 69 Drayton St, Dalby, QLD, 4405, Australia
Join the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) Industry Resilience and Recovery Officer (IRRO) team for a free informative ‘Resilience in Agriculture Workshop’. The workshop has been designed to cover the many opportunities and challenges of running a primary production enterprise.
The workshop will provide key insights and information for primary producers in the Western Downs region, including:

The importance of Farm Business Resilience and Flood Management Plans
Current QRIDA funding availability
Agronomic and financial advice

Keynote speaker

Nigel Corish will discuss the topic of ‘Resilience on Farm’. Nigel is a fourth generation food and fibre producer, Managing Director of New Leaf Ag as part of Corish Farms Group, Chair of Ability Agriculture and Deputy Chair of Grain Growers.

Additional topics and guest speakers

Farm Business Planning | Kerry Battersby and Bec Tkal, QFF
Agronomy | Clancy Cosgrove and Angus Blair, Agrished
Finance | Helen Ruddy, BMO
QRIDA funding | Kate Dunk, QRIDA
Resilience in business | Andrew Smith, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio of Agribusiness, WDRC

Registrations close Monday, 11 March 2024
This workshop is a joint initiative of the Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer Program (funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements) and the Farm Business Resilience Program (funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adaptation Program).

Working Lunch: A chat about electricty
2024-03-14 12:00 - 13:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, 34 Lake Apex Dr, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
An Interactive presentation to help us all get a better understanding of our energy costs.
Come and hear from Andrew Chamberlin from QFF on Electricity Tarriffs and Electricity Audits.
Have some questions answered such as: What is an energy audit, how much of growers time do they take, how much do they cost, is there any funding available to assist.
There will also be an opportunity for Questions
Open to business owners and employees who want to get a better understanding of electricity costs.

Bundaberg, QLD field event: Sustainable soil management
2024-03-14 12:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | South Kolan, Queensland
Delivered in conjunction with Soil Wealth Integrated Crop Protection, VegNET, and PotatoLink. Join this field event where you will gain insights on how to maximise crop returns through improved soil health and input use efficiency.
Topics include:

Rotations – breaking the cropping cycle with cover crops, how to choose the right species, considerations for timing of planting, termination and termination methods.
Managing the cost of inputs – with a focus on nitrogen, nitrogen budgeting, the use of legumes to supply nitrogen.
Soil biology – its functions in the soil, practices that build it and degrade it, tools for measuring it, understanding it (including its challenges).
Improving soil health – reduced tillage, building soil organic matter, structure, infiltration, soil biology.

Domestic and Export Markets Workshop
2024-03-14 12:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | DAF Bowen Research Station, 45 Warwick Road, Bowen, QLD, Australia
This workshop is tailored for growers interested in or currently selling produce through domestic and/or export markets.
RSVP before 11 March 2024 by email: admin@bowengumlugrowers.com.au or phone: (07) 4785 2860

Farming with Floods Workshop
2024-03-26 08:30 - 13:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Bowl, 42 Coronation Dr, Boonah, QLD, 4310, Australia
Join the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) Industry Resilience and Recovery Officer (IRRO) team for a free informative ‘Farming with Floods’ workshop. The workshop has been designed to cover the many opportunities and challenges of running a primary production enterprise.
The workshop will provide key insights and information for primary producers in the Scenic Rim region, including:

The importance of Farm Business Resilience and Flood Management Plans
Current QRIDA funding availability

Keynote speaker

Cover Cropping in Flood Mitigation with Rob Hinrichsen from Kalfresh
Flood Resilience on Farm with Luke Stock from Daloram Dairy Farming

Additional topics and guest speakers

Farm Business Planning | Kerry Battersby and Bec Tkal, QFF
Available funding and Q&A | Kate Dunk and Brian Coe, QRIDA
Flood management planning, why it’s important, how to prepare and response, and technical rebate information | Julia Jurgs and Eloise Cosgrove, QFF

Registrations close Friday, 22 March 2024

This workshop is a joint initiative of the Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer Program (funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements) and the Farm Business Resilience Program (funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adaptation Program).

Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) Symposium
2024-05-08 - 2024-05-09 | Cairns Convention Centre, Sheridan St &, Wharf St, Cairns City, QLD, 4870, Australia
The program will focus on key areas, such as:

preparedness
diagnostics
surveillance
sustainable pest management
capability building

The PBRI members, including seven plant Research and Development Corporations and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, support Australian plant industries, worth $43.8 billion, by prioritising and investing in high impact biosecurity research together. The PBRI provides a collaboration platform to coordinate RD&E investment with cross – industry impact.
The Symposium will highlight selected this research from PBRI’s $69.4 million of coordinated investment in plant biosecurity.
Industries featured in the program and supported by PBRI are – horticulture, forest plantations, grains, wine, sugarcane, cotton, and new and emerging plant industries.
The program will reflect PBRI’s valued partnerships with Plant Health Australia, Better Border Biosecurity (B3) New Zealand, Euphresco, ACIAR and the Australian Plant Health Committee.
There will be a dedicated session on future plant biosecurity leaders which includes presentations and posters from up-and-coming leaders studying or working in the field of biosecurity.
Contact: jo.luck@pbri.com.au

REGISTER TO ATTEND
The Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) invite you to register to attend the 2024 Plant Biosecurity Research Symposium (8-9 May 2024).
Please note that all fees are in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST
Registration fees:

Early Bird Registration Fee (available until 31 March 2024): $495
Standard Registration Fee: $595
Student Registration Fee: $195

Registration inclusions:

Full registrations include access to all symposium sessions on 8-9 May 2024, plus morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on both days.
Full time students are eligible for discounted registration. You will be required to provide your student ID upon arrival at the symposium.
Early bird discount applies for registrations received by 31 March 2024. After this date the full registration fee will apply.
Please note that places are limited for this symposium, so early registration is recommended to confirm your participation.

Symposium Dinner:

The Symposium Dinner will be held on the evening of Wednesday 8 May 2024 at Cairns Convention Centre
Tickets can be purchased for $95 per person.

National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo
2024-07-04 | Armitage Centre – Empire Theatre
On-farm renewables are a valuable opportunity for farmers to cut costs and emissions.

This event brings together farmers, agriculture and energy consultants, peak bodies and Government representatives to share stories of on-farm renewables, their business case and discuss what’s driving the transformation of energy use in agriculture.
Large scale solar and wind developments present opportunities for farmers and regional communities if planned well with meaningful engagement around benefit sharing. These topics plus combining farming and solar, termed agrivoltaics, also forms part of the yearly Conference program.

Date:
Thursday 4 July 2024
Time:
Expo open from 8am
Conference sessions running from 9am to 5pm followed by a wine tasting and stand up canape networking light dinner until 7.30pm.
Location:
Armitage Centre – Empire Theatre
56 Neil Street.
Toowoomba Queensland

Turf Queensland Paddock to Pitch Field Day 2024
2024-07-16 10:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Wild Horse Turf, Glass House Mountains
Get ready for an immersive experience at the Turf Queensland Paddock to Pitch Field Day 2024, where we’ll explore cutting-edge horticulture technology shaping the future of the industry.
Join us as we delve into innovative solutions that are transforming paddocks into high-tech hubs.

Event Highlights:
– Tech-Talk Sessions: Engage with industry leaders and experts as they share insights into the latest advancements in horticulture technology. Discover how these innovations are reshaping the landscape and paving the way for a sustainable future.
– Field Demonstrations: Experience firsthand the power of modern horticulture equipment and machinery. From precision, robotic farming equipment to state-of-the-art drone technology, witness how technology is optimising every aspect of turf production.
– Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, growers, and technology enthusiasts. Share ideas, build collaborations, and be part of the growing community that believes in the transformative power of technology in horticulture.
– Expo Zone: Explore a vibrant expo featuring leading horticulture technology providers. Discover new products, services, and solutions that will elevate your turf management game to unprecedented heights.

Australian Biosecurity Symposium
2024-08-27 - 2024-08-29 | Sea World Resort & Conference Centre, Gold Coast, QLD, Sea World Resort & Conference Centre, Gold Coast, QLD
The highly anticipated 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium is making a triumphant return, promising an unforgettable experience.
Get ready to dive into the unique charm of the Gold Coast as we gather at the stunning
Sea World Resort from August 27th to 29th, 2024.
Building upon the groundbreaking ideas and enriching conversations that marked the success of the 1st and 2nd Australian Biosecurity Symposiums, #BioSym2024 is set to delve even deeper into the future landscape of Australian Biosecurity.
This is your chance to be a part of shaping that future.
Seize the opportunity to connect with key decision-makers, trailblazing innovators, influential voices, and dedicated researchers within the realm of Australian biosecurity. Mark your calendar, because this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Onions Workshop - Lockyer Valley
2024-12-04 15:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Gatton Research Facility, 107 John Howie Memorial Drive, Lawes, QLD, 4343, Australia
Join us for an interactive workshop on onions and hear more about…

Soil management for improved storage quality in onions.
Stemphylium leaf blight, including management, prevention and diagnosis.
‘Level Up Hort’ benchmarking update- how the most profitable onion businesses are tracking.
White rot research project in onions run by Arvensis Research (VN2000)

Drinks & dinner provided. RSVP by Dec 1st.
For more information contact Isabelle Fox
Ph: 0490349917 | Email: isabelle.fox@ausveg.com.au

EvokeAG
2025-02-18 - 2025-02-19 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Merivale St & Glenelg Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
A two-day event bringing together a community of individuals with shared opinions or interests in agrifood tech and innovation.
AgriFutures evokeAG.’s theme “Common Ground” is an invitation to the agrifood tech and innovation community to come together, in one place. From founders to funders, and not forgetting the most critical link in the agrifood innovation chain: adopters. They are the producers, processors, and supply chain partners who translate innovation into action to deliver impact.
evokeAG. 2025 will be a coming together of the agrifood tech and innovation community. It will offer a platform to find common ground on universal challenges, while bringing together the natural and technological world, and creating a dialogue between traditional knowledge and new innovative approaches to food production and natural resource management.

Improving soil health, FAW management and input use efficiencies in vegetable and potato crops
2025-03-26 12:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | Bundaberg, QLD
Join the Soil Wealth ICP, PotatoLink, VegNET and Fall armyworm projects for a field event exploring topics of improving soil health using cover crops, Fall armyworm management and input use efficiencies in vegetable and potato farming systems.
Agenda
Cover crops and soil health field walk

Benefits of cover crops to vegetable and potato farming systems
Legumes for Nitrogen

N contributions
Nitrogen budgets
N cycling

Considerations – termination, cycling, pest and disease
Management

FAW

General update FAW
Results & learnings from project activities
FAW and cover crops

Monitoring Environmental Performance

Update on emissions reporting requirements
Improving soil carbon

Input Use Efficiencies

Water and nutrient use efficiencies – SWICP Bundaberg demonstration site update
Spray coverage and effectiveness

Hort Connections 2025
2025-06-04 - 2025-06-06 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Merivale St & Glenelg Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
Hort Connections 2025 will be held in Brisbane, following a highly celebrated Hort Connections 2024 in Melbourne.
Hort Connections 2025 will again adapt to the horticulture industry’s ever-changing needs, and will offer plenty of networking opportunities, champion the trade show, and host the Horticulture Awards for Excellence 2025 on Friday 6 June.
Hort Connections speakers and exhibitors will showcase the latest research, technologies, and innovations to offer new perspectives on the future of Australasia’s horticulture industry.

QLD: Potato Cyst Nematode: review of management & regulation
2025-06-05 09:00 - 10:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Merivale St & Glenelg Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
It has been 12 years since any significant changes to PCN regulation in Australia. Agriculture Victoria has been leading a national review of PCN management.
AUSVEG, together with Agriculture Victoria, invites stakeholders across the potato supply chain to engage in the discussions of the review, ensuring that the proposed regulatory and management changes to PCN will be beneficial for you.
Meeting location:
Mezzanine Level Rooms | M6 & 7 – Meeting Room 6 & 7
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Merivale Street, South Brisbane, Qld 4101

QLD: Agrotrend Bundaberg 2025
2025-09-12 - 2025-09-13 | Bundaberg Recreational Precinct, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
Agrotrend Bundaberg is the region’s premier agricultural and lifestyle field day, showcasing and supporting the vital role of farming in our region. For farmers and families alike, the two-day event is filled with something for everyone!

Symposium for the Use of Organic Soil Amendments
2025-09-16 - 2025-09-18 | Twin Towns Conference and Function Centre, Coolangatta, QLD, Australia
The Symposium for the Use of Organic Soil Amendments (SUOSA) will take place on the Southern Gold Coast from 16 to 18 September 2025, bringing together experts from agriculture, environmental sciences, economics, and policy to discuss the benefits, challenges, and future directions for the use of organic soil amendments in agricultural and horticultural production systems.
This multi-disciplinary event will explore the agronomic, environmental, societal, regulatory and policy dimensions of using both solid and liquid organic amendments, which include raw or processed animal manures, agricultural residues, food and fibre processing residues, and urban organic residues, and where processing can include composting, pyrolysing, drying, digesting, insect farming, pelletising, granulating, value adding, etc. Discussions will address nutrient management, soil health, carbon sequestration, circular economy, regulatory frameworks, and farmer benefits and adoption.
With contributions from leading researchers, government policymakers, industry experts, and producers, SUOSA 2025 aims to foster collaboration and inform real-world strategies for sustainable soil management and farming systems.

QLD: Australian-Grown Innovation Engage Session
2025-10-14 10:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Porters Plainland Hotel
​The Australian-Grown Innovation Program Engage workshop is a dynamic, in-person workshop designed for growers and supply chain participants to explore innovation in horticulture, share insights, and gain hands-on tools from real industry leaders with practical experience.
​Participants will learn why innovation matters, engage in practical exercises using frameworks like the Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas, and hear from successful innovators across the horticulture sector.
​The program focuses on actionable outcomes, helping attendees identify opportunities to diversify income, improve efficiency, and address real-world challenges through guided activities and peer learning within a supportive regional network.

QLD: Gatton AgTech Showcase 2025
2025-10-15 - 2025-10-16 | Gatton Research Facility, 107 John Howie Memorial Drive, Lawes, QLD, 4343, Australia
Back by popular demand – the Gatton AgTech Showcase returns 15th & 16th October 2025. This builds on the success of the 2023 inaugural event, which brought together 800 attendees from across Australia and overseas.
The Showcase will deliver an expanded program over the two-day event featuring:

More live and static field AgTech and machinery demonstrations as well as exhibition displays
Official launch of DPI’s Centre for Mild Winter Climate Protected Cropping. And a dedicated protected cropping showcase with the support of NFF’s National Horticulture Roadshow
AgTech speaker and student immersion program

As a national, grower-focused event, the Gatton AgTech Showcase is expected to attract growers from all over Australia, with even greater international reach in 2025. Organisers are gearing up for 1,500 attendees across the two-day event.

QLD: Stemphylium in onions interactive workshop
2025-10-15 12:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Gatton Research Facility, 107 John Howie Memorial Drive, Lawes, QLD, 4343, Australia
Are you a Queensland Onion Grower?
Make sure to come and join us on 15th of October from 12pm-2pm in the conference room at the Gatton Ag Tech Showcase for an interactive session on Stemphylium.
We will discuss:
🧅 The latest on international and local research and management practises
🧅 DNA testing and fungicides Resistance in relation to Stemphylium – Metagen Guest Speakers
🧅 Panel Discussion sharing key insights from the Onion overseas study tour

QLD: Cover cropping for soil health and productivity: Preparing for the wet season in north Queensland
2025-11-12 09:00 - 12:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | Ayr Research Station, 343 Old Clare Rd, McDesme, QLD, 4807, Australia
Get your soils ready for the wet season!
Join us for a practical workshop designed for north Queensland vegetable and melon growers, focused on making the most of cover crops.
Discover how the right cover crop choices can boost soil health, reduce erosion, improve moisture management, and strengthen your production system. You’ll learn proven strategies for establishing, managing, and terminating cover crops to suit north Queensland’s unique growing conditions.
What attendees will see and learn from the event:

Improving soil health
Choice of species of cover crops
Moisture management and strategies for establishing cover crops ahead of the wet season
Termination and pest and disease considerations
Considerations for different cash crops/operations

Date: 12 November 2025
Location: Ayr Research Station – 343 Old Clare Rd, McDesme Qld
Speakers: Kelvin Montagu (SWICP), Richelle Kelly (VegNET)
For more information about this event, contact Isabella Ellmers (isabella.ellmers@ahr.com.au 0431 125 513

QLD: Agronomist Networking Breakfast
2025-11-19 07:00 - 10:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Burnett Riverside, 7 Quay St, Bundaberg Central, QLD, 4670, Australia
Join us for an interactive session designed to keep growers, agronomists, and industry stakeholders up to date with the latest developments in agrichemical use, regulation, and best practice.
Why attend?
✔ Stay informed on regulatory changes
✔ Learn about new tools and options for effective crop protection
✔ Get clarity on permits and how to access them
✔ Strengthen biosecurity on farm
What’s covered:

Upcoming Chemical Reviews & New Chemistries – Updates on products under review and the shift toward safer, more sustainable alternatives.
Emergency & Minor Use Permits – How they work, when they apply, and what they mean for crop protection strategies.
Biosecurity in Practice – Practical steps to reduce risks, plus the launch of the Healthy Farms Biosecurity Guide.
Priority Pests Feedback Session – Have your say on shortlisted pests and discuss management options.
Practical record keeping to meet WHS and QA requirements

Questions? Call VegNET Regional Development Officer Jessy Logan on 0407 366 797.
Download the flyer here

VegNET 3.0 (VG21000) is a vegetable and onion industry extension program nationally coordinated by AUSVEG and funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable and onion research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.

QFF National Agriculture Day Breakfast 2025
2025-11-21 07:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | The Royal International Convention Centre, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills QLD 4006, Bowen Hills, QLD, 4006, Australia
QFF and our peak body members invite you to join their annual National Ag Day breakfast and hear from special guest speaker, the Premier of Queensland, Hon David Crisafulli, who will reflect on his first 12 months in office and his vision for the future of agriculture in Queensland.

QLD: Season Success: Building Resilient Cropping Systems
2026-02-11 16:00 - 18:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | Metagen, 108 Chadwick Rd, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
Season Success: Building Resilient Cropping Systems

Practical insights to set your 2026 season up for success, drawing on lessons from recent seasons and current agronomic trends.
Expert-led discussion on key disease risks, how they develop through the season and what proactive management really looks like (including emerging testing tools).
Clear, system-level thinking around soil health, biologicals and how biostimulants and inoculants fit into resilient cropping programs.
An industry outlook on what’s changing now and what to expect heading into 2026, so you can plan with confidence, not hindsight.
A collaborative, on the ground focus: applied science, practical decision-making and time for questions with experienced agronomists and industry specialists.

Workshop Agenda (4-6:30pm)

Welcome: Open to the event with a brief welcome and outline how the day will support practical decision making for resilient cropping systems heading into 2026.
#1 Research update: Dr Noel Knight and Ben Evert will provide an update on the Hort Innovation onion research project, focusing on fungicide resistance and new testing to support on farm management next season.
#2 Key disease concerns in horticulture: Shane Fitzgerald will deliver a refresher on key disease risks, exploring disease lifecycles, practical management approaches and relevant testing, including emerging tools.
Break and discussion
#3 Soil health, biologicals and system resilience: Dr Neil Wilson will explore soil health and the role of biologicals in cropping systems, clarifying the difference between types of biologicals and how agriculture and management decisions influence soil microbiology.
#4 Learning from the 2025 Season – agronomy Q&A: Facilitated by Liam Riedy with local agronomists and growers, this session will reflect on key agronomic challenges and wins from the 2025 season through open discussion.
#5 Industry update and outlook for 2026: Michael Sippel from Lockyer Valley Vegetable Growers will share an industry update and what to expect heading into 2026.
Looking ahead: A summary of key take home messages from Liam Riedy, next steps and tips on where to find support moving forward.
Final Q&A and BBQ Catering

Mareeba: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-03-10 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | TBC
As part of Stream Three of this project, a Workforce Development Framework will be created, providing a guide for employers and RTOs to work together to grow a fit-for-purpose VET workforce for their region. The framework will connect each stage of career development – from mentor to supervisor to VET educator – with practical actions, existing resources and potential partnerships. It will be designed to be adaptable to the needs of different regional, rural, and remote communities.
Stakeholders are invited to participate in co-design of the Framework by attending roundtable and networking events being held online and around the country in early 2026.
You’re invited to participate in a roundtable and networking event designed to provide opportunities to contribute to several related projects and support the development of local connections.
Employers, training providers, industry partners, business support services, local government, and community organisations are encouraged to join this vital conversation.
You’re welcome to join for the full day or just take part in sessions relevant to you. Register to secure your place, and we’ll share detailed information closer to the date.
More information: https://skillsinsight.com.au/project/vet-workforce/

Roma: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-03-12 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | TBC
