Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
After a brief postponement, the highly anticipated Next Gen Cane Forum is officially back on, with growers and industry professionals set to gather across 14 and 15 April for two days of learning, networking, and hands-on experience.
Kicking off with a pre-forum welcome on Monday evening, delegates will have the opportunity to connect over drinks and hear from guest speaker Adam Douglas of Jet Zero, exploring the future of sustainable aviation fuel and its relevance to the industry.
Tuesday’s program, set about how to do it yourself, together, with a resources and management focus on practical, on-the-ground solutions for cane growers. The day begins with a CASE IH breakfast and presentation on the latest tractor technologies before moving into the Herbert Walk and Talk sessions. These rotating presentations will cover everything from new cane varieties and weed management to cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, drone technology, and chemical safety.
The afternoon continues with industry-led discussions centred on improving productivity and sustainability, including soil amendments, multispecies cover crops, and do-it-yourself ratoon stunting disease testing. A networking lunch with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables will also highlight the importance of collaboration in driving the industry forward.
On Wednesday, the focus shifts to finance and farm visits, looking at production and potentials, offering delegates a deeper look into the business side of agriculture. Breakfast and lunch sessions will provide insights into finance options, with industry representatives available to answer questions and share advice.
Field visits will showcase innovation in action, including large-scale farm diversification, autonomous tractor technology, and advances in biological inputs. The day will also feature an irrigation system demonstration, highlighting new approachesto improving efficiency on-farm.
The forum will wrap up with a visit to the Burdekin Rum Distillery, followed by a dinner at the Queens Hotel and a panel discussion featuring leading voices from across the sugar industry.
With a strong mix of practical knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, the return of the Next Gen Cane Forum promises to deliver valuable insights and opportunities for the region’s current and next generation of growers.
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