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

QLD: Regenerating Soils: Biology, Transition & Nutrient Efficiency
2026-04-13 12:00 - 16:15 (Australia/Brisbane) | Mulgowie Farming Company, 35 Mulgowie School Rd, Mulgowie, QLD, 4341, Australia
A hands-on workshop with international soil expert Joel Williams, exploring practical and science-based strategies to improve soil health, boost productivity, and build a more regenerative farming system.
Topics include:

Soil biology and soil organic matter science: Understand the processes that support healthy, productive soils.
Soils in transition: Strategies to transition towards regenerative agriculture, and better soil health.
Integrated nutrient management: Low input strategies to improve fertiliser efficiencies and reduce input costs.
Soil Wealth ICP demonstration site field walk at Mulgowie: Managing organic nitrogen sources from cover crops to match the nitrogen demand of sweet corn.

Who this is for: This workshop is limited to 30 spots for vegetable growers and agronomists – registration is essential and growers and agronomists will be prioritised over those in the supply chain.
Bring Soil Samples & Tests: If you’re interested, bring a sample of your soil so we can discuss structure and practical ways to look for life in your soil.

QLD: Emergency plant pest readiness for northern Queensland horticulture
2026-04-23 14:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Merinda Village Hotel, 13 Linley St, Bowen, QLD, 4805, Australia
What happens when a new pest comes to a growing region and how can we all be better prepared and responsive?
What you will learn

What does a new pest detection mean for your farm and region?
Who is involved in an emergency plant pest response?
What is the decision making process during a response?
Rights and responsibilities and the General Biosecurity Duty
What are the potential impacts on businesses and trade?
Owner Reimbursement Costs
How to get prepared?

The workshop will be followed by dinner.

The Vegetable industry biosecurity and business continuity strategy (VG22004) has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

QLD: Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Training
2026-08-14 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Horticulture House, 255 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
Most fresh produce suppliers and customers now require growers to be certified against a recognised food safety program. Achieving certification not only meets market demands but also demonstrates your commitment to delivering safe, high-quality produce.
Since 2017, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) has supported local producers by delivering Freshcare training – Australia’s leading on-farm assurance program for fresh produce.
To meet audit requirements, each participating business should ensure at least one representative has successfully completed Freshcare training.
Why complete Freshcare training?

Gain a clear understanding of the Freshcare Code of Practice and program requirements
Learn how to apply the Code to your specific business operations
Understand what needs to be implemented on-farm and in your systems to achieve and maintain certification

By completing Freshcare training with BFVG, you’re equipping your business with the knowledge and confidence to meet compliance standards, strengthen customer trust, and maintain access to key markets.

QLD: HACCP Foundations for Fresh Produce
2026-08-21 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Horticulture House, 255 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
This practical, course provides an introduction to the application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) in the fresh produce sector.
Designed for growers, operators, packers, and staff working in fruit and vegetable businesses, the training is ideal for anyone involved in the growing, harvesting, packing, or despatch of fresh produce for retail sale.
The program also meets producer training requirements under the HARPS Standard, helping businesses stay compliant while building food safety knowledge and confidence.
Why choose this training?

Delivered by Kylie Jackson, approved training partner of Quality Associates (RTO No. 41341)
Recognised national competencies on successful completion:
FBPFSY3002 – Participate in a HACCP Team

QLD: Agronomists Breakfast - Daniel Sutton Workshop on TPP and CLso Management
2026-08-28 06:30 - 08:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | Gatton Research Facility, 107 John Howie Memorial Drive, Lawes, QLD, 4343, Australia
Join us for an interactive workshop with Daniel Sutton from Vegetables NZ and learn about New Zealand’s experience managing Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) and Zebra Chip disease caused by Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso). Drawing on New Zealand’s firsthand experience, Daniel will share practical insights from NZ into the impacts of TPP and CLso on the potato industry, the lessons learned following their establishment, and the management strategies that have been developed to support growers. This workshop will provide an opportunity to hear directly from Daniel, ask questions, and discuss how the Australian potato industry can strengthen its preparedness for these significant biosecurity threats

QLD: Paddock to Plate Study Tour
2026-09-10 - 2026-09-13
Travel a little, learn a lot! Growers from across the Gympie & surrounding regions are invited to join us for 3 days of activities in the Bundaberg region!
What’s included:

Bundaberg Agrotrend Entry and exhibits.
BFVG Grower Workshop – Join fellow growers and industry for practical FAW management, WH&S updates, Farm Business resilience planning and more!
Visit to 3 local Growers in Bundaberg
Ticket to the BFVG Gala Dinner
Accommodation in Bundaberg & Travel (Bus from Gympie)
Endless Networking opportunities!

Date: 10th Sept – 13th Sept 2026
Spots limited!
Location: Bundaberg & surrounds.
Cost: $150 per person
More info: Jessy Logan
M: 0407 366 797
E: vegnet@bfvg.com.au
