This year the keynote speaker will be Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson, who will talk about leadership and perserverance.

Other topics covered as part of the 2018 event, which has the theme Building Blocks for Success include: risk management, what social licence means to agriculture, branding and building trust, succession planning and ag debt funding options beyond banks.

Hosted by GrainGrowers and sponsored by key agricultural organisations such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the July 9-11conference was designed to bring together growers, agribusiness professionals, industry pioneers and innovators to explore a diverse range of issues, ideas and opportunities.

GRDC chairman John Woods said the conference would offer young grain growers, agronomists and industry professionals an invaluable opportunity to connect and hear about the latest ideas, research and technology driving the future of the grains sector.

“Agriculture needs innovation and the energy of the next generation to continue to kick goals in terms of growing productivity and profitability, so I would encourage young growers, agronomists and others involved in the industry to go along and hear what is happening at a national level,” Mr Woods said.

“At the GRDC, we understand one of the key factors to create an enduring agricultural industry, is collaboration and that is also one of the main themes behind the Innovation Generation Conference, so we are incredibly supportive of this concept and what this conference offers young people in our industry.

“The simple fact is the grains industry, like agriculture generally, needs the next generation to be engaged, involved, enthusiastic and innovative about the future.”

Mr Woods said supporting the Innovation Generation Conference 2018 was just one of the many ways the GRDC was investing in ‘people’ and building capacity in the grains industry.

The conference will be at the Wagga Civic Theatre.

For more information visit www.innovationgeneration.com.au.