AUSTRALIA’S sugar cane professionals, from all generations, will meet at the Case IH Step UP! Conference in Palm Cove this year in order to drive the conversation about industry innovation, sustainability and profitability.
Don Murday, Chairman of the Next Gen program, which fosters the next generation of young cane professionals, said Case IH Step UP! 2015 will focus on key industry drivers including best farming practice, sugar marketing, R&D, agricultural engineering and technology, and financial products and planning.
“We were amazed by the level of commitment and dedication displayed by the next generation at the inaugural conference which we delivered in 2013,” Mr Murday said.
“Until then, there had never been a conference in Australia like it that aimed to encourage participation from the younger participants of sugar cane industry,” he said.
“Australian cane professionals will once more have the rare opportunity to ask questions of leading business, technology, industry, research and financial experts and get honest answers from them.
“The future of our industry is in the hands of youngsters and they need the support and knowledge of their more experienced counterparts to push the industry forward.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for enthusiastic farmers and cane professionals to make a meaningful contribution to their industry.
“Young cane farmers in particular are crying out for industry knowledge and advice that will help them run profitable businesses in the future.
“There are also more experienced cane farmers who are attending the conference as they want to continue to play an active role in the industry they love and transfer knowledge to the next generation of farmers.”
Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, visits farmers and cane professionals across all major sugar cane regions listening to their issues and providing young farmers with useful industry advice via personalised small events.
Mr Puglisi said the Case IH Step UP! 2015 conference will consist of open addresses, networking opportunities, topical content, farm visits and entertainment throughout.
“We’re encouraging cane professionals at every level to book their tickets to attend Case IH Step UP! as soon as possible as places are limited and passes are selling fast,” he said.
“The conference is being held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Palm Cove from Tuesday, March 17 to Wednesday, March 18, with a welcome function to be held on the evening of Monday, March 16.
“The venue was chosen with families in mind so we hope the whole family, after a challenging year, will take the time to relax and enjoy the amazing scenery,” Mr Puglisi said.
For more information on the conference, sponsorship opportunities and registration, visit nextgenstepup.com or contact Amanda Sheppard on (07) 3839 1900.