RECORD-BREAKING CROWD AT AGTECH26

A record crowd of more than 400 turned out for Queensland’s premier agtech field day, AGTECH26.

The event took place on Thursday, 23 July, at the Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre (CQSCC), Emerald.

AGTECH has been hosted by Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) since 2017 to bring the agtech network together, with particular focus on connecting producers with the latest profit-boosting innovations in agriculture.

CHDC CEO Peter Dowling said this year’s refresh of the event format paid off.

“Today’s event is taking place entirely in the field and we moved the date to mid-July to suit our producers and school students, and that’s worked tremendously well,” Mr Dowling said.

“We’re seeing some really good connections taking place and that’s what we do at Central Highlands Development Corporation – we bring people together for the benefit of the region and that’s what today is doing.”

AGTECH26 brought together producers, innovators, researchers, students, and government representatives, including Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett.

The Minister inspected CQSCC’s new in-field heat chambers, which simulate higher nighttime temperatures to evaluate crop performance, resilience, and management strategies in field conditions.

The day also featured live agtech demonstrations, expert panel discussions, trade displays, and tours of cropping trials and new automated cattle yards at the Department of Primary Industries’ CQSCC.

Mr Dowling said the turnout, which eclipsed AGTECH24 by about 60 percent, reflected the industry’s appetite for innovation and commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

“If we want to grow the Central Highlands’ billion-dollar agriculture industry beyond its current numbers, agtech’s going to help us get there,” he said.

Almost 200 primary and secondary students attended AGTECH26 under its Young Tech Leaders Program.

Monique Evans, Manager of Central Queensland’s Regional School Industry Partnership Program for the Department of Education, said it was a special opportunity to expose the next generation to agricultural careers.

“It’s been exciting for the students to go out into the field, to get their feet in the dirt, to see what’s happening, and to touch and feel the tech,” Ms Evans said.

“To be able to engage really closely with industry is a real privilege and an amazing opportunity, and we want to thank everyone for putting on such a great day for us.”

AGTECH26 was proudly supported by the Queensland Government.