Premier acknowledges critical role of ag with visit to nation’s biggest field day where tech innovation will be centre stage
NSW Premier, The Hon Chris Minns MP, will be among the thousands visiting Aon AgQuip 2024 at Gunnedah, taking a particular interest in the new AgSmart Connect Hub where tech excellence and innovation will take centre stage.
Event organisers ACM Agri are pleased to host the Premier, who will be joined by NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty, said he was proud of the state’s strong farming history, and was looking forward to another visit to Australia’s largest field day.
“Thank you to the many farmers for being the backbone of this state and beyond. It’s an exciting time to be in primary industries and AgQuip is a wonderful way to celebrate it,” Mr Minns said.
NSW’s agricultural sector was valued at more than $21 billion, he said, supported by the rapid evolution of farming technology and the businesses bringing it to the fore.
“This success wouldn’t be possible without the passion and hard work of NSW farmers, who produce some of the best quality food and fibre products,” Mr Minns said.
“From beef to wheat, cotton to canola – if it’s grown in NSW, it’ll be loved around the world. In 2022-23, primary industries’ exports reached a new record high of $13.1 billion - up 15% year on year.”
More than 50,000 visitors are expected during the three days of Aon AgQuip, beginning on Tuesday, August 20, and many will make their way to the AgSmart Connect Hub, with more than 50 exhibitors and up to a dozen expert presentations covering the likes of carbon farming, remote monitoring, IoT and data.
“The new AgSmart Connect Hub is significantly different to previous years and covers 3000sqm, about four times the size of the agtech space we’ve had in the past. The format is both indoor and outdoor and all of the talks, which visitors are very welcome to attend, will be live-streamed on The Land website” said ACM Agri’s Sean McKeown.
“In many ways, we are presenting a 'conference' within a field day setting, with the many exhibitors and presentations designed to help growers and producers understand the innovations available to them and how to embed them within their businesses.”
The AgSmart Connect Seminar schedule has been announced, with seminar sessions starting at 10am on Tuesday, August 20, and Wednesday, August 21, with a break for lunch at 12.15pm before sessions resume at 1.30pm and run through until 3pm.
Presenters include Simon Blyth, INCYT founder, who will kick off the program at 10am on Tuesday, his theme ‘Next Starts Now - Agtech in 2025; Samantha Jewel, CEO of Urth.io, and Tom Nicolas, Avatar Carbon founder, who will present on ‘Carbon is not a dirty word’ at 1.30pm on Tuesday; and Daniel Moroko, founder of Rok Solid, who is speaking on ‘Unlocking Land Value - Profiting from Renewable Energy Projects’ at 11.30am on Wednesday. The full schedule of presenters can be found at: https://acmruralevents.com.au/agquip/event-program-24#Agsmartconnect
Kawasaki Demonstration Area featuring a range of motorbike demos from the brand, while another area is dedicated to the latest in drone technology. Double R is also using a third demonstration zone for tractor, truck and other ag machinery demos, while other exhibitor sites around Aon AgQuip will be featuring their own demonstrations during each day. For the full demonstration schedule, go to: https://acmruralevents.com.au/agquip/event-program-24#Agsmartconnect
With more than 2500 exhibitors in 2024, visitors will have their hands full trying to decide just to what to see and where to go. From the AgSmart Connect Hub, lifestyle pavilion and busy demonstration area, to the array of food and beverage outlets – everyone’s got a favourite steak sandwich vendor – it will be tough to fit it all in.
Golf buggies will be available for hire on the day or by booking in advance through DTM Golf Carts, and for an additional hit of adrenaline a little further from the ground, the always-popular helicopter flights are back for another year.
Major sponsor Aon said the visit by the NSW Premier was testament to the success of the event over such a long period of time, and was important recognition of the state’s agricultural sector.
“The significance and value of Aon AgQuip to Australia’s agricultural community cannot be understated and we are proud to again support the event for the third year in a row. We look forward to welcoming the farming and agricultural community, our clients, partners and guests over the three days. The agriculture industry is a crucial sector of Australia’s economy, and Aon is committed to our presence in regional Australia. Our clients are passionate about their industry and have a commitment to innovation, and we are excited to continue to work with our clients to ensure they are better advised and able to make better decisions that protect and grow their businesses,” said Tim Trandafilu, national practice leader – Agribusiness at Aon.
AgQuip is on from August 20 to 22, with gates opening at 8.30am each day, and closing at 4.30pm on the Tuesday and Wednesday, and 4pm on the final day. Tickets for Aon AgQuip 2024 are available at www.agquip.com.au and anyone purchasing their one day pass tickets online before the event will receive a 30% discount off the door price.