What is Forum24?
2024 provides an opportunity to celebrate the revolutionary achievements of Catalyst growers, share the latest knowledge and discuss new ideas.
The forum also allows us to network in a social environment, whilst creating solutions for the future.
In Mackay, the program will include presentations from inspired growers, agricultural leaders, carbon experts and those leading industry diversification, who’ll encourage and support you in your endeavors to continue advancing proven practices.
The growing Catalyst family celebrates the achievements of participants and invites each of you to identify potential candidates, to join us in our efforts to improve water quality, increase productivity and create a legacy of change for generations.
Sun 18th Feb
Welcome Function
$135 +GST
- Early check-in
- A chance to register, reconnect and relax with a drink
- From 5pm
Mon 19th Feb
Forum Day One
$180 +GST
- Registration
- Be inspired, share knowledge & network
- 7:30am - 4pm
Mon Feb 19th
Formal Dinner
$195 +GST
- Social drinks
- Enjoy an evening together to network at the formal dinner
- 6pm - 11pm
Tues Feb 20th
Field Day Tour
$110 +GST
- Group inspiration
- Take a bus tour of two sites on the field day tour
- 7:30am - 4:30pm
Meet us
Ocean International Hotel
1 Bridge Road
Illawong Beach, Mackay
Queensland, 4740
Speakers
David Hardwick
Agroecologist and Rural Change Specialist, Soil Land Food
20 years extension experience with farming communities across Australia, with over 8 years working on soil and nutrient management extension projects with the cane farmers in Queensland. Providing the steps for success when regenerating cane soils, so they can support productive and profitable cane farms into the future.
Jason Bradford
Generational Farmer, Mackay Region
Farming cattle and cane on 117Ha purchased by his Grandfather as cattle property in the late 60's, Jason devised a way to maintain a balance between his business operations and the coastal land supporting a diverse population of native fish, birds, mammals and reptiles.
Tony Jeppesen
Dinner MC
Catalyst Grower, Whitsunday Region
As a fourth generation farmer, Tony is an early adopter of changes - especially when it comes to water management. His story of being on the 25ha family property since 1921, increasing water storage capacity, managing the way it moves across his farm and the influence of Catalyst on his entire operation will inspire and inform.
Jamie Jurgens
Dinner Speaker
VJK Produce, Whitsunday Region
From his father Vernon being told he could never grow crops on the land he owned, to producing nutrient dense produce and introducing organic vegetables, the Jurgens 6th generation of innovators are embracing robotics and Agritourism. The passion for farming remains.
Program highlights
Sun 18th Feb
Welcome Function
- A chance to register, reconnect and relax with a drink
- Thanks to our sponsors Wilmar Bio Dunder & Nutrien Ag Solutions
Mon 19th Feb
Forum Day One
- Delegates check in
Morning Session
Thanks to our sponsor LiquaForce- Hosted by MC Tony George
- Presentations from our Partners, Virtual Farm Tours
- Keynote Speaker – David Hardwick: Regenerating our Soils for the Future
- Morning tea
Mid-Morning Session: Looking back to the future
- Project presentations by Nutrien Ag, Herbert Cane Productivity Services LTD., and Burdekin Productivity Services
- Virtual Farm Tour; Shaping the Future – Biofuels, diversification, and expansion of the sugar industry
- Speaker: Jannik Olejas – Industry futures, information sharing and the global community influence
- Lunch
Afternoon session
Thanks to our sponsor Reef Catchments Limited- Breakout Session 1: Grower presentations
- Ray Zamora – Sweet Success: from paddock to palate
- Jason Bradford – Finding the Balance: farming supporting nature
- Gino Zatta – Rejuvenating Soils: rotational and cash crops
- Breakout Session 2: The Future of Farming
- Presentations from leaders in AgTech/Carbon/Robotics
Field Day Tours
Coral Ark, Courtney Gap Road, Sarina
What is coral and how does it grow? This excursion will have you marvelling at the array of colours, types, and commercial viability of the Great Barrier Reef.
But what does the future hold for coral diversity? Could it be the aquariums all over the world that hold the genetics of species we may not see in the future. One man’s passion for the reef’s animals is spawning a global initiative in citizen science to save them.
Pioneer Valley Field Day, Mackay
Get up close to the latest farming equipment and technology. See the latest drones in action and climb into new machinery.
All your questions about GPS will be answered, whilst the future of sugar is being reinvented.
Engage
Industry sponsors and growers
We encourage the participation of new industry sponsors and growers, so please keep an eye on your emails for your official invitation, it holds the unique code to register.
If you have not received your invitation, or you’d like to invite someone, please contact Emily on 07 4968 4216.
Partners
Due to popular demand our event has sold out - if you have enquiries please contact Kellie 4968 4200.