RPEXPO22 - Riverine Plains

Riverine Plains Innovation EXPO

Fostering innovation, creating connections and sharing knowledge

The Riverine Plains Innovation EXPO had an aim to foster innovation, create connections, share knowledge, and showcase businesses and individuals operating ahead of the curve.

The event offered an opportunity for farmers, innovators, researchers, NFP’s, government organisations, and future thinkers to learn, network, and challenge the way we think about our local farming systems.

The Innovation EXPO comprised of five main events held in succession from 27-29 July 2022:

Riverine Plains Farm Tour (only available to Full Event Ticket Holders)
Riverine Plains – Upton Engineering Welcome Drinks
Riverine Plains Innovation Field Day and Towards 2030 Forum
Riverine Plains – New Edge Microbials Black Tie Gala Dinner
Riverine Plains – Seed Force Innovation Conference

Discounts were available to all Riverine Plains Members and Members of our Fellow Farming Systems.

Riverine Plains Innovation EXPO Agenda:

DAY 1 - 27 July 2022: 8:00AM-4:00PM:
Riverine Plains Farm Tour
A tour looking at innovative weed management techniques, trials looking at a number of production inputs, a BBQ lunch then in-yard comparison of automated sheep handlers and EID livestock technologies.
27 July 2022: 4:00pm-6:00pm:
Riverine Plains Upton Engineering Welcome Drinks at Squires Winery
Welcome Drinks at Squires Winery provided a casual networking opportunity with all drinks and canapes included.

27 July 2022: 4:00pm-6:00pm:
DAY 2 - 28 July 2022: 8:30am-3:30pm:
Riverine Plains Innovation Field Day and Towards 2030 Forum
The Riverine Plains Innovation Field Day had an aim to introduce farmers to new and innovative solutions for the management of specific farming systems issues in the region. Held at the Yarrawonga Showground, participants had the opportunity to interact directly with exhibitors. Tickets included access to the Towards 2030 Forum, all day coffee, light refreshments, and a BBQ lunch.
28 July 2022: 6:00pm-11:00pm
Riverine Plains New Edge Microbials Black Tie Gala Dinner and Auction
Held at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, the Black-Tie Gala Dinner. Tickets included a two-course sit-down dinner with a selection of wines and beer, a charity auction, and entertainment with renowned standup comic Dave O’Neil. The charity auction supported the Riverine Plains Scholarship Fund, a charity (ACNC Registered DGR) run by Riverine Plains to support University students in their agricultural focused studies. The evening was about having fun, getting together, and raising some money to support the future of agriculture in our region.

28 July 2022: 6:00pm-11:00pm
DAY 3 - 29 July 2022: 8am-4pm
Riverine Plains Seed Force Innovation Conference
The Seed Force – Riverine Plains Innovation Conference was held at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort and included trade stalls, two hours of networking, and presentations by a range of forward-thinking speakers. For farmers, this was a day to listen and take inspiration from speakers that challenge the status quo, share ideas, insights, reflections on innovation and markets.

Session 1: Leveraging Value of self, farm assets, and natural resources

Mary O’Brien, Are you bogged Mate? – “Buckets and balls – Helping rural men talk through their sh*t”, Brought to you by Seed Force

Richard Heath, CEO Australian Farm Institute – “Sorting the reality from the hype – sustainability markets and agriculture”

Session 2: Optimising profits through on-farm tech

Lewis Frost, Ceres Tag – “Perspective on AgTech”

Fiona Lake, Rural Drone Academy – “Slaying drone myths – real uses, DIY vs using service providers, other practical tech to consider plus predictions”

Jon Medway, Charles Sturt University – “Looking past the gloss. Making AgTech Pay”

Session 3: Understanding externalities to better manage your on-farm enterprise

Cam Nicholson, Nicon Rural Services – “Decision Making on Farm – how to make sure you are choosing the right option for your operation”

Panel Session – John Woods (GRDC), Michael Crowley (MLA), Tony Mahar (NFF), and John Harvey (MC) (AgriFutures) – “Focus on industry strategies and how innovation, research, and ag-tech will play a part in helping individuals and the industry more broadly capitalise on opportunities”