Media Release – 15 August 2023
Future-proofing fodder is the focus of the hay and silage supply chain at the national conference in Bendigo this Wednesday and Thursday as part of the Australian Fodder Industry Association’s FODDERGANZA!
The two-day National Fodder Conference will bring together business leaders, researchers, industry experts and those engaged in fodder production to explore new technologies and understand the latest research and development outcomes.
“The fodder industry, like all commodities across the agriculture sector must adapt and change to meet future demands and challenges and remain competitive,” said Paula Fitzgerald, AFIA’s Chief Executive Officer.
“This year’s conference program is packed full of issues and developments for the industry to be at the forefront of, including carbon sequestration, future protein sources, research and development outcomes, waste management and environmental sustainability,” she said.
“To set the scene, the conference will start with Stefan Vogel, the General Manager of RaboResearch delivering the Australian agriculture economy outlook. We will also hear how fodder producers in the USA are faring as Jon Paul Driver from Hay Kings shares his perspective.”
Featured presentations across the two-day event include:
- Louise Brown, Chief Executive of HydGENE renewables, an organisation which turns biomass residues into hydrogen – a green fuel – and into fertiliser while sequestering carbon, will deliver a presentation on a low carbon future.
- Future protein – opportunity or threat? is the focus of Dr Crispin Howitt, the Future Protein Mission Lead of CSIRO’s address as he works to meet the world’s increased demand for protein.
- Alison Frischke, Project Manager – Research from the Birchip Cropping Group will talk about the National Hay Agronomy Program Outcomes.
- Simone Reinertsen, the Stakeholder Engagement Officer from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, will provide an update of recent regulatory updates impacting the movement of freight and fodder across the country.
In addition, there are presentations on succession planning, oat breeding, a national silage wrap recycling program, “Our Place” features from producers in Victoria and Western Australia; the state of the dairy industry; new generation NIRS calibrations to improve feed evaluation and animal growth; two product launches and much more!
There will also be a panel discussion on the pros and cons of a fodder stocktake. Would the industry benefit from knowing available fodder supplies at any given time?
Not only does this event deliver a packed program, there is also an exhibition hall filled with fodder industry supply chain participants AND a carpark showcasing the latest fodder machinery and equipment.
“This event will help shape the future of the Australian fodder industry,” she concluded.
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