INNOVATION in agriculture and the use of new technology will be in the spotlight during an upcoming grains industry farm tour, gala dinner and awards night in Goondiwindi, Queensland.

AgForce Grains president Wayne Newton said the Queensland Grains Gala Dinner was the grains industry’s ‘night of nights’ and he encouraged anyone with an interest in the industry to join the celebrations at the Goondiwindi Cultural Centre on Friday 1 September.

Wayne Newton

“The Queensland Grains Gala Dinner gives the entire industry, and those who prosper from it, an ideal moment to celebrate the sector’s successes, with the winners of the AgForce Grains Innovation Awards to be announced on the night,” he said.

“There are countless people who look outside the box to help the industry grow and adapt, with AgForce to recognise up to three individuals or organisations who are enhancing the long term sustainability of the grain supply chain through innovation, technology and development.”

Mr Newton said an ‘Innovation in Ag’ industry tour would also be held on Friday 1 September, kicking off with a visit to Chesterfield Machinery at 9am to learn about the latest production lines before heading to a number of different farming operations in the Goondiwindi region.

“Tour participants will get to hear from producers about the use of technology and innovation to increase productivity and reduce costs, with guest speakers to include Andrew and Jocie Bate from Swarm Farm Robotics, Emerald, and Tom Dowling from Goanna Telemetry, Goondiwindi,” he said.

“In addition, Ritchie Bros will be supplying a bus service for those interested in attending its farm machinery sale at Keytah, near Moree, returning late afternoon in time for the dinner.”

Mr Newton said ABC Radio Brisbane Breakfast host and former Queensland Country Hour presenter Craig Zonca would be the Master of Ceremonies for the gala dinner, while Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival Star Maker winner Jared Porter, and The Local Lot, would provide entertainment.

“The Queensland Grains Gala Dinner is a fabulous event where everyone with an interest in the grains industry – plant breeders, researchers/scientists, suppliers, consultants, producers, traders and buyers – can come together in one place for one night and have a great time,” he said.

Visit: www.agforceqld.org.au