Sweet opportunity to ‘Step UP!’

Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, said that the event will take place in Palm Cove next year and will bring together both the young and young at heart!

“Although Next Gen is a young industry persons program, we encourage people of all ages to attend as the topics being discussed will be relevant to all involved in our industry, no matter their age,” Mr Puglisi said.

“Case IH Step UP! 2015 will see presentations on a wide range of topics so is really suitable for everyone to attend, whether that be a farmer, miller, harvester or researcher,” he said.

The event promises not to be your typical conference as the program will feature dynamic and upbeat presentations providing the chance for all members of the sugar industry to network and discuss matters they are facing.

“The content will be exciting and progressive with the speakers addressing topics such as best farming practise; precision farming and harvesting; sugar marketing; R&D; agricultural engineering and technology; and financial products and planning.”

Mr Puglisi went on to say that Next Gen had chosen the location as the committee wants to encourage families to take part.

“We hope families will take the opportunity to have a holiday and enjoy a much-needed break away from the farm.”

The conference will begin on Monday March 16 with a Welcome Function and will run until the afternoon of Wednesday March 18 and will prove to be bigger and better than last year.

“As well as interesting speakers, we are very excited to include two field trips in next year’s program which will certainly prove both fun and informative.

“Another highlight of the event will be the Gala Dinner which will take place on the Tuesday evening and will feature good food, great music and an entertaining mystery speaker.

“There will also be a trade show exhibition which will give the opportunity to local and national brands to showcase their product or service.”

Next Gen miller, Hayden Quabba, said he is looking forward to attending Case IH Step UP! 2015 because it is a unique opportunity to meet with others from across the industry and to share information.

“There is so much information available out there and Step UP! brings that all together in one place. It’s also a great opportunity to talk one-on-one with key industry personnel,” Mr Quabba said.

“I’m also looking forward to catch up and see how everyone has been travelling since the Step UP! 2013,” he said.

Next Gen farmer, Gavin Lerch, attended Case IH Step UP! 2013 and said he really enjoyed his time there.

“The presentations helped me to review my farming business by broadening my knowledge and outlook,” Mr Lerch said.

“I also found it encouraging to learn that there were so many other famers around my age that share my passion, who can also relate to my experiences,” he said.

“My wife, Hayley, and I will definitely be attending Case IH Step UP! in 2015 and we are both looking forward to meeting new people, sharing ideas and gaining more confidence for the future on our farm.”

Next Gen has already gained the support of organisations such as including Case IH, Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL), Sugar Research Australia (SRA), Smartcane BMP, Wilmar, Mackay Sugar, Soils First, Rabobank and Coral Reef Coaches, and encourages any other brands wanting to take part to get in contact as soon as possible as sponsorship opportunities are limited.

For more information or to purchase tickets to Case IH Step UP! 2015, please visit www.nextgenstepup.com