Innovative Farming Australia conference 2004

The inaugural Innovative Farming Australia conference, held in Canberra on October 7th 2004, highlighted the depth of innovation and knowledge in the Australian agricultural sector.

Convened by the Australian Nuffield Farming Scholars’ Association, the Conference was an opportunity for Nuffield Scholars, non-Nuffield scholar farmers, industry and government representatives and the media, to listen to presenters from various commodities talk about their businesses, the challenges in their journey to success, and what their future plans and opportunities are.

The conference was attended by some 85 delegates, which included Nuffield Scholars, government and agribusiness industry representatives. The Australian Nuffield Scholars’ Association new Nuffield Scholars also attended.

The conference day proceeded the new Nuffield Scholar announcement day on Friday October 8th.

The conference was broken into different sections with the titles:

• Future of Farming
• Marketing beyond the Farm Gate
• Innovation and the Future
• Business Management in Farming

Special guest at the conference was Editor of the Irish Farm Journal, Matt Dempsey. Matt’s presentation outlined different global influences on the agricultural sector, and in particular how they are and will affect the Australian agricultural industry. He noted that while Australian farmers complain about Australian land prices rising and the cost of farming – it is nothing compared to the cost of land in Ireland – which has seen a 400% rise in value.

Rabobank Australian CEO, Bruce Dick, spoke after Matt Dempsey, giving a Rabobank perspective on the future of farming in Australia. Bruce’s frank presentation urged Australian farmers to look at innovative ways of farming – including leasing land rather than buying, as a part of a strategy to expand and become more viable. He said farmers should also improve their understanding of outside influences they couldn’t control – consumers, competitors, currency changes and climate.

Five Nuffield Scholar’s addressed the conference, presenting on their farming and business enterprises, all of which demonstrated innovative ways of approaching farming in Australia.

Dennis Moon, Nuffield Scholar, together with Ray Sellwood, who are both Victorian farmers, presented on their innovative irrigation systems, which they have developed as a business in Victoria.

Nuffield Scholar and Consultant, John Foss, spoke on supply chain traceability – highlighting the consumer push and growing demand from retailers, for accountability and traceability of all foods which go into the shopping trolley. This demand is resulting in growers having to introduce transparent systems on-farm (and right through the whole supply chain) to ensure traceability is possible if there is a problem at the retail consumer end.

He said while there is certainly an initial high cost involved in introducing such systems, in the future, it will be the farmers and suppliers who can prove traceability to the original source who will win the sales and contracts with retailers.

Chair of the Australian Nuffield Farming Scholars’ Association, Brendon Smart from South Australia, gave a fascinating insight into how their family business operates. Brendon explained that their business operates along the same lines as any major corporate business – with a board of management, including non-family board members. Brendon explained all aspects of the business, including pay structures for family members, incentives, and future succession planning for the enterprise.

David Brownhill, from Quirindi in NSW, and also a Nuffield Scholar, outlined how group buying and co-operation between a group of farmers in his district has resulted in significant benefits for the stakeholders. By pooling information and creating ‘buying power’ they are saving money and creating opportunities.

Young Western Australian farmer, and Nuffield Scholar, Aaron Edmonds, challenged conventional thinking with a presentation on his concern that profitability farming is under threat in Australia because of lack of creative thinking in using the resources we have at hand.

Managing Director of Bayer CropScience in Australia and New Zealand, Sam Howard presented within the conference Session: Innovation and the Future.

Sam spoke about the global agriculture sector currently facing numerous strategic challenges, including the production of safe and high quality food and fibre, and using resources such as land, water and energy as efficiently as possible.

Sam pointed out that research and development in the plant protection industry has become a highly complex and costly operation. The crop science industry is currently - and will remain - one of the most regulated industries in the world. Decisions are based on science, and the balance between targets of profitability to justify the investment, and fulfilling social and environmental responsibilities, needs to be found.

When discussing the issue of genetically modified crops, Sam said he was disappointed that the first introduction of trial GM crops and technology to Australia has not been as successful as had been anticipated by Bayer CropScience – largely because of the perceived lack of benefits to consumers.

While many scientists, farmers and industry recognise the potential benefits, this has not been communicated to consumers, and this to a certain extent had derailed the road to commercialisation of GM crops in Australia.

The session ‘Marketing beyond the Farm Gate’ introduced three business case studies.

Jane Bennett, Managing Director of Ashgrove Cheese based in Tasmania, described her journey from an early push by her father for her to learn how to make cheese, to achieving the distinction of being awarded ABC Rural Woman of the Year, and managing a business which now manufacturers and markets boutique cheeses for both the domestic and international markets. She outlined the trials and tribulations of bringing to the market new and often ‘left field’ products, securing markets, and importantly understanding that paramount is delivering ‘what the customer wants’.

Katrina Blomfield, a Rabobank EDPPP graduate, and wool grower from Walcha in NSW, presentation described how the desire to maintain control of consistency and quality of all aspects of the wool growing process resulted in the family business going back to the basics. Katrina and her husband found they couldn’t source the genetics they wanted to improve their flock and clip, so they established their own stud, and breeding base. They bought in the best genetics they could, and built on that. They are now producing a product they feel is unique, and which produces an animal and wool type which offers consistency and reliability for clients. Their marketing and customer relations program involves close, personal contact with all their clients – and Katrina believes this sets them apart from many other similar operations.

David de Paoli, founder and owner of Austchilli Pty Ltd., based at Bundaberg, Qld, outlined how he has moved from being just a grower of horticultural crops to setting up a full processing and marketing company for chillis. Austchilli now, as well as growing a large proportion of their produce themselves, also value adds chilli, herbs and vegetable products. They supply chillis domestically throughout Australia to retailers and supermarkets, as well as internationally.

David continues to broaden Austchilli’s horizon with dedicated investment in global marketing strategies, domestic and international trade missions, constant customer consultation, product and process innovation.

Motivational speaker

A highlight of the conference was the guest motivational speaker – Australia’s greatest Paralympian, one-legged skier, Michael Milton. Michael holds a cachet of world records for speed skiing and to listen to him speak about what drives him and his positive approach to life was inspirational.

The conference committee would like to thank the chairs of each session – Brendon Smart, Matt Dempsey, Vernon Graham (editor The Land), and Jim Geltch.

The conference would also like to sincerely thank the conference sponsors:

• Australian Nuffield Farming Scholars’ Association
• Incitec Pivot
• ABB Grain
• Rabobank
• Bayer CropScience
• Monsanto
• Meat & Livestock Australia
• Australian Wool Innovation Inc.