Livestock producers, agribusiness and industry supporters from the Barossa and surrounding areas are invited to join together to connect and learn at the Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) Annual Conference on Thursday 8 February 2024 to be held at Lambert Estate, Angaston.
This year’s theme Farming Ahead: A Changing Landscape will focus on adapting and responding to today’s changing environment. BIGG Chairperson Pete Mitchell said that presenters had been carefully chosen to offer informative and thought-provoking insights into the current evolving livestock industry.
“The BIGG conference gives farmers an opportunity to get off-farm, learn something new, and catch up with other like-minded people and rural businesses. The BIGG team has selected speakers that will inform and inspire as we face many changes in agriculture and work through the possible challenges and opportunities” added Pete.
BIGG has confirmed keynote speaker ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ Warren Davies. Warren’s story is one of resilience, persistence, and determination as he faced the challenges of farming. Warren’s authentic, inspiring and sometimes confronting presentation is filled with take home strategies developed from his business and life journey, that can be implemented in day-to-day life.
Another highlight will be the dinner speaker, best-selling South Australian fiction author Fiona McIntosh. Fiona hit the world stage through her popular fantasy novels but is now known for her deeply researched historical adventures and her crime dramas including the recent popular titles Dead Tide and The Sugar Palace.
The conference program also features presentations from the following confirmed speaker:
- Graham Clothier, Lucindale sheep farmer: Insights into sheep production and management, farm diversification, and succession planning.
- Felicity Turner, Field farmer: Carbon accounting opportunities and challenges, developing a farm sustainability framework inclusive of natural capital.
- Mark Inglis, Thomas Foods International: A review of the livestock market, market specifications for beef and sheep, and processing technologies.
BIGG Technical Facilitators Brett Nietschke and Janie Evans will also be giving updates on the current BIGG multi-species pastures and on-farm water security projects. Over 20 BIGG sponsors and supporters will be on display giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about local services and providers.
BIGG Members receive one FREE ticket per membership to attend the conference. The annual membership provides many additional benefits including free entry to all other BIGG events and subscription to the BIGG monthly newsletter with the latest in news, opportunities and technical information. Join Now
Alternatively, tickets are available via Eventbrite. Full admission is $100 (afternoon and evening sessions inclusive of afternoon tea and dinner) or dinner only $80 (inclusive of dinner and evening guest speaker).