Nov 13, 20192 min read

2019 Nuffield National Conference

Updated: Apr 22, 2020

In 2019, we hosted our conference in Queensland, at The Royal International Convention Centre – EKKA Precinct - in Brisbane.

 The theme was 'Collaborate. Innovate. Cultivate', showcasing  Scholars’ ability to learn from farmers around the globe, identify  cutting edge farming practices and technology, and sow the seeds of  change that see individuals, businesses and wider industry flourish.

 The program provided in-depth insights into Australian and global  agriculture along with a detailed look at agriculture in Queensland. In  addition to more than 25 Nuffield Scholars presenting the findings of  their scholarship research, there were a broad array of other speakers  focusing on the conference theme.
 
Over 25 Scholars presented the findings of their scholarship studies, and topics included:        				 				
Effective branding to attract a premium
Facilitating the uptake of new agricultural technology
Strengthening business and strategic planning capability
Business risk management in a variable climate
Soil health and regeneration principles in agriculture
Key factors affecting farmer uptake of information
Enabling better environmental outcomes in agriculture
Management practices used to combat urban growth in productive agricultural regions

In addition to the scholars, additional speakers included:

1. Jack Milbank, 2007 Scholar
2. Michael McKellar, 2004 Scholar
3. John Woods, Chair, GRDC
4. Michiel van Lookeren Campagne, Director,  Agriculture and Food, CSIRO
5. Dr Heather Smyth, Flavour Chemist and Sensory Scientist, UQ
6. Liz Alexander, Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC)
7. Dr Toby Ford, Ford Heath
8. Tim McGavin, CEO, Laguna Bay
9. Ross Henry, Queensland Farmers Federation
10. Michael Guerin, CEO, AgForce
11. Nic Kentish, RCS

The 2019 National Conference program ran from Tuesday 17 September to Thursday 19 September and was followed by a Thursday evening social  function and a two-day regional tour on Friday 20 and Saturday 21  September.

Our 2019 event opened with the distinguished Annual Awards Dinner on the  first evening. Here the new 2020 Nuffield Scholars were announced.  Mr David Crombie AM was special guest speaker to deliver the George Wilson Oration. 

More information: https://nuffield.com.au/2019-nuffield-australia-national-conference/