Program

2025 AgXchange Program

  • Tuesday

    23 September 2025

  • Wednesday

    24 September 2025

  • Thursday

    25 September 2025

  • We’re kicking off AgXchange with a relaxed evening by the sea. From 5pm at the Coral Moon, Langham Hotel, sweeping ocean views will set the scene for good conversation and new connections. Proudly presented by NFF partner WFI Insurance, this is your chance to meet fellow delegates and set the tone for the days ahead. The dress code is smart casual, and tickets are to be purchased separately. One not to be missed! Address: The Coral Moon Room, The Langham, Gold Coast - 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

  • David 'DJ' Jochinke, President of National Farmers' Federation and a VIC farmer from Wimmera, officially opening AgXchange 2025.

  • In 2020, Australian agriculture set a bold challenge of reaching $100 billion in farm-gate output by 2030. What started as a rallying cry has since become a well-recognised benchmark for the sector. Now, in 2025, we’re not just edging toward that target, we’re on track to exceed it well before the deadline. This panel brings together leaders from across industry to ask the hard questions. How did we get here? What tailwinds have carried us forward, and what headwinds could stall our momentum? Most importantly, what does it mean for agriculture once the $100 billion line is crossed? On this panel, we will hear from farmer and Head of Livestock Transformation at Thomas Foods International, Samantha Neumann, LAWD Senior Director, Jaclyn Hope, and NFF Interim Chief Executive, Su McCluskey. In the wider economic context, where productivity and economic contribution are part of the contemporary national debate, this panel will explore the role agriculture can play in shaping Australia’s broader economic future.

  • Join Nutrien Ag Solutions’ Managing Director, Adrian Capogreco, in conversation with farmer and finance manager Emily Coggan from Coggan Farms, and Smithfield Cattle Company COO Jason Shearer-Smith. Together they’ll explore how innovation, sustainability, risk, strong communities and supply chains play out in their own farming businesses. This fireside chat brings the conference themes to life through real stories and practical experience.

  • After a life changing accident over a decade ago, Sam navigates the world in a wheelchair with a spinal cord injury and one functioning arm and a seriously unstoppable attitude. Her lived experience of disability, combined with a deep understanding of the agricultural industry, fuels her passion for creating inclusive, practical conversations around innovation, community, and mental health in the bush.   Samantha runs multiple rural business and will share her story of resilience, courage and inspirations with a dash of humour on the side. This is a story that will stay with you forever. 

  • Join Kim Krogh Anderson, responsible for creating digital products and solutions for Australians, as he looks at the needs of regional Australia and how he is working to accelerate Australis digital future.

  • New technologies, such as Low Earth Orbit satellites and Direct-to-Handset technology, are no longer science fiction, they have the potential to close the gap on regional connectivity and unlock new possibilities for agriculture. In this panel, Kim Krogh Andersen, Group Executive, Product & Technology at Telstra, Dan Lloyd, Space Industry Association and Hamish Munro, agtech founder of Pairtree, to unpack what’s coming next. From text to voice to data, they’ll explore how these technologies could transform regional connectivity, what the rollout looks like, and whether it’s time for agriculture to get excited about looking skyward. 

  • Australia is a major player in global agriculture, yet the question remains — are we shaping international markets, or are we simply being shaped by them? In this session, three of the industry’s most influential voices will come together to share their perspectives on where Australia sits in the global food and fibre system.   Roger Fletcher, Managing Director of Fletcher International Exports, Fiona Simson, farmer and board director, and Jason Mewton, Mercado’s Head Economist, will explore how trade, geopolitics and consumer trends are influencing Australian producers, and whether our sector has the strength and influence to set the agenda. This is a rare chance to hear from leaders who live and breathe both the opportunities and pressures of competing on a global stage. 

  • Sustainability gets talked about a lot in agriculture, but what does it actually mean at the farm gate? For most farmers, the real test is whether sustainable production systems can also deliver profitability. This panel will dig into whether the current signals and markets – natural capital, carbon and beyond – are giving farmers a fair return, or if the value is being captured elsewhere in the supply chain. The conversation will ask whether we’re making genuine headway in linking sustainability with farm profitability, and what needs to change to get there.

  • Billy Slater, one of Australia’s greatest rugby league players and current coach of the Queensland Maroons, is renowned not only for his incredible achievements on the field but also for his innovative mindset, leadership, and resilience under pressure. Farming, like elite sport, requires adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to perform through challenges and uncertainty. Billy’s story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected figures in rugby league mirrors the grit and determination needed on the land. Hear how Billy applies innovative thinking, discipline, and leadership to build high-performing teams that deliver when it matters most. Billy’s keynote address will explore lessons from the game that translate beyond sport—covering resilience, adaptability, and the power of mindset. Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of Australia’s most inspiring and dynamic voices.

  • Step into an unforgettable night at The Star Casino as we celebrate the people, stories and spirit of Australian agriculture. Supported by NFF Partner Nutrien, the Gala Dinner begins with drinks from 6pm, followed by a two course dinner. Enjoy an evening of fine food, live entertainment and plenty of time on the dance floor. Address: The Star Gold Coast - 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218. 👗 Dress Code: Formal

  • As Australia’s Fresh Food People, we recognise that our success begins on farms across the country. Providing millions of customers with the best Australian fresh produce each week is only possible through strong and collaborative partnerships with growers, farmers, and producers. At the NFF AgXchange Conference, our new Director of Fresh, Louis Eggar, will host a breakfast and fireside discussion focused on strengthening these important partnerships. He will share Woolworths’ vision for the future of our Fresh Food business, alongside the official launch of the 2025 Regional Report. This year’s report highlights our collective contributions to regional communities and places particular focus on the supply journey of meat and berries. The discussion will feature Louis Eggar, Woolworths Director of Fresh, moderated by Su McCluskey, Interim CEO of the National Farmers’ Federation, with contributions from David Jochinke, President of the National Farmers’ Federation, an AgriEmpower Scholar, and a Woolworths supplier. This session will provide an opportunity to reflect on shared achievements and explore how we can continue to build a resilient and sustainable future for our industries.
    Breakouts

  • This session will explore how the National Farmers Federation 2030 Roadmap’s vision for a $100 billion agricultural sector is being realised through innovation, technology, and the uplift of digital capability across the sector. Drawing on the latest research from the Australian Farm Institute’s 2025 report, “Building digital capability in Australian agriculture,” the discussion will highlight the critical need for coordinated investment in people, infrastructure, and data to ensure that digital transformation benefits all parts of the sector. Panellists will examine persistent barriers to digital inclusion, the importance of STEM-based education and lifelong learning, and the role of industry, government, and corporate partners in building a digitally fluent, innovation-ready workforce. The session will showcase practical insights and recommendations for accelerating digital adoption, closing capability gaps, and ensuring that technology delivers real value at the farmgate and beyond.
    Breakouts

  • A quick run-down of all the learnings from day one.

  • Olly Harrison, better known to hundreds of thousands online as Olly Blogs, is one of the UK’s most recognisable farmers and a straight-talking voice for agriculture. What started as a few YouTube clips during lockdown has grown into a channel with more than 110,000 subscribers and millions of views, where Olly shares the daily wins and frustrations of farming life with humour and honesty. His no-nonsense style has made him a favourite not just with farmers, but also with people curious about life on the land. Away from the camera, Olly has built a diverse farm business with everything from crops and biomass to sunflower mazes and dog-walking paddocks, while raising more than £450,000 for local charities. Expect plenty of laughs, a few sharp truths, and a glimpse into how social media, diversification and determination are reshaping modern farming.

  • This session will explore the vital role of natural capital in sustainable land and resource management. Join experts Professor Felicity Deane (QUT), Nicole Yazbek-Martin, and Dr Kate Andrews (NRM Regions Australia) as they delve into innovative approaches to valuing, protecting, and enhancing natural assets for long-term environmental and community benefits.
    Breakouts

  • This session will spotlight some of the most dynamic and scalable growth opportunities in Australian Agriculture, examining the unique drivers behind the recent success or long-term potential of the domestic blueberry, hemp and coffee industries, including global trade, climate, innovation, and consumer trends.
    Breakouts

  • Succession planning is one of the most important yet often overlooked conversations in family farming businesses. In this session, Brendan Taylor from Tuckerang Farming, and Hamish McIntyre from McIntyre Agriculture, will share their personal experiences navigating the challenges and opportunities of getting the reins of the family farm as well as handing them over. From business structures and governance to the emotional toll these discussions can take, they will offer practical insights to help families prepare for the road ahead. The session will explore why succession planning conversations don’t always happen when they should and how approaching them early and openly can set the business up for long-term success.

  • Andrew Horgan from Skills Insight will provide an update on the progress of agricultural trade apprenticeships in Australia, outlining key developments and the pathway ahead for building a skilled workforce.
    Workshop

  • Join Jim Gall, CEO of RB Sellars, the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of championing locally grown products to build stronger connections with consumers nationwide.
    Breakouts

  • Public opinion and policy rarely wait for agriculture to have its say. When farmers and industry leaders go unheard, others fill the silence, shaping perceptions and decisions that impact the future of agriculture. In this session panellists will explore the consequences of staying quiet, the opportunities that come from being proactive, and how agriculture can find its voice in the right places, with the right people, at the right time.

  • This session will highlight the next wave of innovation in agriculture and explore how to accelerate their adoption across the industry. Hear from forward-thinkers like Jerome Leray (InFarm), Rachel Palumbo (Nufarm), who will discuss groundbreaking initiatives with GRDC including alternatives to paraquat, and Will Taing (Beanstalk Ag), as they share insights on emerging technologies and sustainable solutions shaping the future of farming.
    Breakouts

  • Setting up your in home or on-farm connectivity is essential for success in a digitally-connected world. The team from NBN will be on hand to explain how you can get the best from your internet connection through good equipment setup, and can help you understand the connectivity options available to get you and your farm business connected.
    Breakouts

  • Join Karen Penfold from Four Daughters Beef as she explores how open communication and thoughtful succession planning are at the heart of long-term sustainability. Karen will share the Four Daughters story, from building a premium beef brand to navigating the challenges of transition in a family business. This session will highlight how strong conversations create resilience, keep the next generation engaged, and ensure the future of farming families and their enterprises.
    Breakouts

  • Join Tanya Nagle (General Manager, Media and Community Engagement, AgForce), Kellie Blinco (Community Engagement Manager, AgForce), and Louise Hegarty (Industry Skills Officer, National Farmers' Federation) as they explore strategies to inspire and equip the next generation for careers in agriculture through education pathways, skills development, and apprenticeship opportunities.
    Breakouts

  • This session will spotlight the people and initiatives driving community wellbeing across rural and regional Australia, with a focus on mental health, cultural connection, workforce resilience, and farm safety. Hear from leaders including Dr Tim Driscoll (Royal Flying Doctor Service), Emily Buddle (Agri-CULTURE), Sally Murfet, and Stevi Howdle, as they explore the challenges and opportunities shaping healthier, safer, and more connected communities.
    Breakouts

  • By Mark Grasso and Fletcher Kibble, Independent Financial Advisers at Oxlade Financial. Farming families face unique financial challenges, from cash flow volatility and asset-rich/cash-poor challenges, to the complexities of succession and retirement. In this session, we’ll explore how the right financial planning can help protect your family’s legacy, manage volatile income, and support better decision-making, even when most of your wealth is tied up in the land.
    Workshop

  • In this high-energy debate, David ‘DJ’ Jochinke (President, National Farmers' Federation), Martin Murray (Farmer, Punters Run Partnership), Gillian Fennell (Social Media Specialist, Farm Table), and Georgia Campbell (Program Manager at Farmers for Climate Action) go head to head, presenting arguments from both sides of one of the most hotly contested questions in the industry.

  • This panel will explore how Indigenous knowledge, ownership and participation are reshaping the future of agriculture. Panellists will share their own journeys and highlight the role cultural knowledge plays in driving innovation, strengthening ESG outcomes, and building more sustainable farming systems. The discussion will also look at the growing role of women in this space, and how collaboration between Indigenous and mainstream agriculture can create stronger, more resilient industries. By recognising the values and principles at the heart of Indigenous land management, and by investing in the right frameworks to support cooperation, the sector has an opportunity to unlock new approaches that benefit both communities and the industry as a whole.
    Breakouts

  • Hear from emerging industry voices Sam Turner (Senior Business Analyst, AAM Investment Group) and Brooke Watts (Business Operations Coordinator, Bralca) as they share their journeys, insights, and perspectives on stepping into leadership roles and shaping the future of Australian agriculture.
    Breakouts



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