AUSVEG

ABARES Outlook Conference 2024
2024-03-05 - 2024-03-06 | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla, ACT, 2600, Australia
ABARES Outlook Conference is where we come together with ideas and evidence to progress issues that affect the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sector.
The redesigned event for 2024 is going hybrid. The theme is Shaping the Future: Opportunities, risks, and resilience.
This reflects ABARES’ commitment to explore the critical issues that will define the future of Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
The challenges we face today, such as climate change, evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global trade dynamics, require us to adapt and innovate continuously.
The conference is the perfect arena to discuss how we can navigate these challenges and seize the opportunities they present.

Foodex Japan 2024
2024-03-05 - 2024-03-08 | Tokyo Big Sight, 3 Chome-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo, 135-0063, Japan
Foodex Japan is the leading food and beverage tradeshow in Japan, providing business expansion opportunities and solutions for Australian fresh produce exporters. Japan is an important trading partner for the Australian vegetable, onion, and melon industries.
Foodex will be held from 5 – 8 March 2024. AUSVEG has secured a 54sqm space at Foodex Japan, which will incorporate Australia’s nation brand and provide a centralised space for fruit and vegetable growers to meet with international buyers and businesses from across Asian and ASEAN countries.
AUSVEG will be leading a trade delegation to attend and exhibit at this prominent international trade event.

Field Day at Oolloo Farms, NT: Explore Climate Smart Agriculture!
2024-03-05 09:00 - 11:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Oolloo Farms
An insightful field day at Ti Tree Food and Fodder, Oolloo Farms. This event, supported by NT Government, NT Farmers Association, and the Northern Hub, is a unique opportunity to delve into sustainable farming practices.

What’s on the Agenda?

– Exclusive farm tour of irrigated pastures.
– Engaging presentations & interactive Q&A sessions.
– Learn about the Northern Hub Climate Smart Agriculture project.
– Insights into compost application by Daryl Troy.
– Understanding different compost types with John Lyne from Tropical Soils & Plant Nutrition NT.
– Discover how soil organic matter contributes to climate resilience, presented by DITT staff.

Sausage sizzle and refreshments provided.

RSVP today by contacting Dr Girija Page at Girija.Page@nt.gov.au

Australian Organic Conference 2024
2024-03-07 - 2024-03-08 | Pullman Melbourne on the Park, 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
Looking to grow your business or learn more about the organic state of play in Australia? ‘Our Future: Growing Together‘ is nearly upon us, with two days of networking and inspiration awaiting you at Pullman Melbourne on the Park in early March.

NSW Women in Life Sciences Luncheon 2024
2024-03-08 12:00 - 15:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf, 48 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, NSW, 2009, Australia
Innovations in equality: Investing in the future of women in life sciences

Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf: Friday, 8 March 2024
The NSW Women in Life Sciences Luncheon, co hosted by AusBiotech and Medicines Australia, is a must attend event on the annual life sciences calendar.
More than 550 leaders and changemakers will join the Luncheon on International Women’s Day, 8 March, to celebrate women’s achievements and support the removal of barriers to build a better future for us all.
Featuring fantastic speakers, and ample networking opportunities to connect with leaders and mentors in the industry, it’s an opportunity to be inspired, share insights, and forge valuable connections.
Seats are limited, and this event always sells out, so secure your place early!

Carbohydrate monitoring for orchard management - Childers
2024-03-08 12:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
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)

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

Perth: Retail Negotiation Skills Workshops
2024-03-18 - 2024-03-19 | vegetablesWA, 702-704 Murray St, Perth, WA, 6005, Australia
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.

Post flooding to current season pest & disease management in practice
2024-03-22 09:00 - 12:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Local Land Services Demonstration Farm, 40 Edwards Road, Richmond Lowlands, NSW, 2753, Australia
NSW vegetable growers and sweet corn field day.
Future proofing against weather events: How can monitoring & integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) assist your farm?
Where: The Greater Sydney Local Land Services Demonstration Farm
40 Edwards Rd, Richmond Lowlands.
Register Here: https://regionalnsw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6nxEIpTWXVHCzYy

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).

Tasmania: Retail Negotiation Skills Workshops
2024-04-09 - 2024-04-10 | TFGA, Tasmania, Australia

Post flooding to current season pest & disease management in practice.
2024-04-10 09:30 - 12:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Val & Sam Micallef’s, 240 White Rock Rd, White Rock, NSW, Australia
Building biosecurity capacity and resilience in the NSW vegetable industry.
Future proofing against weather events: How can integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) and soil health practices assist your farm?
Where: Val & Sam Micallef’s
240 White Rock Rd, White Rock NSW 2795
Register Here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1182593?

Post flooding to current season pest & disease management in practice.
2024-04-11 09:30 - 12:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Simplot Australia’s Cowra Farm, 2394 Lachlan Valley Way, Cowra, NSW, Australia
Building biosecurity capacity and resilience in the NSW vegetable industry.
Future proofing against weather events: How can integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) and soil health practices assist your farm?
Where: Simplot Australia’s Cowra Farm
2394 Lachlan Valley Way, Cowra NSW 2646
Register Here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1182627?

Drone Spray Demonstration Night
2024-04-11 17:30 - 20:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | 935, 935 Tarwin Lower Road, Middle Tarwin, Australia
VegNET Gippsland, Schreurs & Sons, Syngenta and E.E. Muir & Sons would like to invite you to a Spray Demonstration Night and BBQ at Schreurs’ Tarwin Farm on Thursday, April 11th. The night will showcase both drone and tractor mounted spray applications on vegetable crops. Limited capacity, register now!

FutureAG Expo - Melbourne
2024-04-17 - 2024-04-19 | Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vake, VIC, 3032, Australia
FutureAg Expo 2024 Powered by Agritechnica will be an exciting exhibition, sales and networking opportunity for: suppliers of agricultural and agro-industrial products, services and technology serving the markets of Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific. Manufacturers, producers, importers and distributors of products and services related to agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural, livestock processes.
WHEN
The show will be held across three days annually commencing Wednesday, 17 April – Friday, 19 April 2024. Open to the industry 8.30am to 4.30pm (Wednesday and Thursday) and 8.30am to 4.00pm (Friday).
WHERE
This inaugural event will be at Melbourne Showgrounds, Ascot Vale, Victoria, Australia – the largest participation rate in events in Victoria, the largest exporting state of agricultural products in Australia.

Mulloon Institute Bootcamp – NT
2024-04-17 - 2024-04-19 | Old Cameron Downs, 0845, 65 Perreau Rd, Eva Valley, NT, 0822, Australia
Territory NRM presents: How to catch water and restore landscapes for your property with Mulloon Institute
Learn how to apply simple strategies to improve productivity and drought resilience. Extend your wet season, grow more grass!
Day 1
17 April 2024
1:30pm-5:30pm (followed by a free BBQ)
$30 to attend Day 1 only.
In this afternoon introduction, participants gain a foundational understanding of a farm’s water cycle and our approaches to rehydrating rural landscapes. Participants learn to read water processes to interpret landscape health. Day 1 tickets only are available.

Days 2 & 3
18-19 April 2024
8:30am – 4:30pm (includes all catering)
$440 to attend all 3 days.
A skills-based course about harnessing the water cycle to improve landscape function on your property. See first-hand how these solutions are working for Old Cameron Downs.
Through activities that blend scientific principles and practical skills, you will learn about:

The role of the water cycle and plants in farming landscapes.
Drivers and indicators of a healthy and unhealthy water cycle.
How to identify and prioritise issues on your property to ‘heal your hydrograph’.
How to apply sound planning and design principles to give your landscape rehydration project the best chance of success.

Ag Innovation Day 2024
2024-04-18 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Hagley Farm School, 2508 Meander Valley Road, Hagley, TAS, 7292, Australia

Greening Farm Dams Field Day
2024-04-18 10:30 - 14:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Cape Liptrap, Tarwin Lower, VIC, 3956, Australia
Enhancing farm dams for stock and biodiversity: What difference does a year make?
Come and see the changes that have occurred since Jillian Staton & Bruce Whittaker altered their farm dam to restrict stock access for productivity and biodiversity outcomes.
We will discuss the results of monitoring to compare the impacts of three different farm management systems (restricted, total stock exclusion and unrestricted access) on:

water quality
macroinvertebrate (waterbug) levels
frogs, wildlife and pest species.

We will also hear about:

the role farm dams can play in native fish conservation strategies
managing vegetation around farm dams, including azola and phragmites.

Presenters include:

Jillian Staton: a landholder’s perspective
Ty Matthews (Deakin University) & students Jasper Davis and Balin Branch-Spence
David Carew (Carew Environmental)
Matt Bowler (WGCMA)

Lunch included

Forthside Tasmanian Seed Certification Information Day
2024-04-24 10:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Forthside Vegetable Research Facility, 124 Forthside Rd, Forthside, TAS, 7310, Australia
Want to know more about how to get the most out of your seed?
Join TasSeed Manager Doug Clark, Tasmanian Seed Potato Certification Scheme and PotatoLink regional representative, Tim Walker for a workshop on getting the most out of your seed.
Come along to see a rundown of the national seed potato certification scheme and its Tasmanian appendix.
A hands-on session on tuber inspection, identification of pest and diseases will be followed by a round table discussion of any industry seed issues.
This is a great opportunity to ask seed certifiers questions and see the process of certifying a line of seed potatoes.
Light refreshments provided.

Date: Wednesday 24 April 2024
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Location: TIA Forthside Vegetable Research Facility – 124 Forthside Rd, Forthside TAS 7310, Australia
Registration: Click here to register

AUSVEG VIC Annual Awards for Excellence Dinner
2024-04-27 18:30 - 23:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Pullman Melbourne on the Park, 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
Sponsored by E.E. Muir and Sons – The AUSVEG VIC Awards for Excellence event shines the spotlight on some of the highest achieving Victorian vegetable growers in the industry.

Nambucca Heads: Effective pest and disease management on your farm.
2024-04-30 16:00 - 18:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club, Stuart Island, Nambucca Heads, NSW, 2448, Australia
What are the best ways to actively prevent, manage and monitor?
Local advisers and growers presenting & discussing:

Pest and disease identification, integrated management options & monitoring in current and forecasted seasonal conditions.
Easy to achieve proactive on-farm biosecurity checks, actions & monitoring.
Getting targeted results from your spraying program & equipment while caring for beneficial predators!
Pest & disease sampling for diagnostics testing- what is it and how do you do it?

Take home a diagnostics kit to submit pest & disease samples to the NSW DPI laboratory for FREE!

Where: Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
When: Tuesday 30 April, 4pm-6.30pm
Click here to register for this event.
Hands-on interactive sessions with presenters from AUSVEG, Local Land Services, Southern Cross University, Biological Services and BioWorks!
Social dinner at 6.30pm!

Contact:
Marguerite White
Coordinator, Building biosecurity capacity & resilience
Phone: 0447 500 415
Email: mwhite@icdprojectservices.com.au
Harriet Brickhill
Senior Local Land Services Officer
Phone: 0467 446 222
Email: harriet.brickhill@lls.nsw.gov.au

This is an event of the Building Biosecurity Capacity and Resilience within the NSW Vegetable Industry Project, funded by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program with support from AUSVEG, and the Clean Coastal Catchments project of North Coast Local Land Services, part of the NSW Government funded Marine Estate Strateg

Fall armyworm update webinar
2024-05-01 11:00 - 11:45 (Australia/Brisbane) | Webinar
Join Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ principal entomologist Dr Melina Miles online on Wednesday 1 May 2024 from 11am – 11:45am AEST for a fall armyworm information session.
This year’s fall armyworm infestations have been the most severe to date across Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
Melina will share her insights into:

The extent of the fall armyworm infestation
Sustainable solutions for managing the pest in a challenging season
Updates on the latest research

Bucca: Effective pest and disease management on your farm.
2024-05-01 16:00 - 18:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Kaka Sandhu, 111-113 Central Bucca Rd, Bucca, NSW, 2450, Australia
What are the best ways to actively prevent, manage and monitor?
Local advisers and growers presenting & discussing:

Pest and disease identification, integrated management options & monitoring in current and forecasted seasonal conditions.
Easy to achieve proactive on-farm biosecurity checks, actions & monitoring.
Getting targeted results from your spraying program & equipment while caring for beneficial predators!
Pest & disease sampling for diagnostics testing- what is it and how do you do it?

Take home a diagnostics kit to submit pest & disease samples to the NSW DPI laboratory for FREE!

Where: Kaka Sandhu
When: Wed 1 May, 4pm-6.30pm
Click here to register for this event.
Hands-on interactive sessions with presenters from AUSVEG, Local Land Services, Southern Cross University, Biological Services and BioWorks!
Social dinner at 6.30pm!

Contact:
Marguerite White
Coordinator, Building biosecurity capacity & resilience
Phone: 0447 500 415
Email: mwhite@icdprojectservices.com.au
Harriet Brickhill
Senior Local Land Services Officer
Phone: 0467 446 222
Email: harriet.brickhill@lls.nsw.gov.au

This is an event of the Building Biosecurity Capacity and Resilience within the NSW Vegetable Industry Project, funded by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program with support from AUSVEG, and the Clean Coastal Catchments project of North Coast Local Land Services, part of the NSW Government funded Marine Estate Strateg

Adelaide: Retail Negotiation Skills Workshops
2024-05-02 - 2024-05-03 | TBC

The Great Trentham Spudfest
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-05 | Trentham, Trentham, Australia
This year marks the 16th iteration of the popular community festival that brings together local potato growers, artisans, music, food vendors, and local history to showcase the region’s finest offerings and products across the weekend of 4-5 May 2024.

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.
