The conference will be held in Wagga from July 9 to 11. 

Hosted by GrainGrowers and sponsored by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the conference is designed to bring together growers, agribusiness professionals, industry pioneers and innovators to explore a diverse range of issues, ideas and opportunities.

GRDC Board chairman John Woods said the conference would offer young grain growers, agronomists and industry professionals an invaluable opportunity to connect and hear about the latest ideas, research and technology driving the future of the grains sector.

“Agriculture needs innovation and the energy of the next generation to continue to kick goals in terms of growing productivity and profitability, so I would encourage young growers, agronomists and others involved in the industry to go along and hear what is happening at a national level,” Mr Woods said.

“We understand one of the key factors to create an enduring agricultural industry, is collaboration and that is also one of the main themes behind the Innovation Generation Conference, so we are incredibly supportive of this concept and what this conference offers young people in our industry,” he said.

“The simple fact is the grains industry, like agriculture generally, needs the next generation to be engaged, involved, enthusiastic and innovative about the future.”

Mr Woods said supporting the Innovation Generation Conference 2018 was just one of the many ways the GRDC was investing in ‘people’ and building capacity in the grains industry.

“We invest in a multitude of programs and projects designed to improve the skills, knowledge and capabiltiy of young people, whether they are researchers, growers or agronomists working in the grains sector. For us, it is about ensuring we have the capacity to meet the future needs and priorities of our industry.”

The Innovation Generation Conference has been running since 2006 and in that time has attracted more than 1600 young agricultural enthusiasts.

This year the keynote speaker will be Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson, who on day one of the conference will talk about leadership and perserverance.

Other topics covered as part of the 2018 event, which has the theme ‘Building Blocks for Success’ include: risk management, what social licence means to agriculture, branding and building trust, succession planning and ag debt funding options beyond banks.

The event is hosted by GrainGrowers. This is the 60th year GrainGrowers has been working with Australian grain growers for a more efficient, sustainable and profitable grain production sector.