Roots of Resilience: Growing Sustainable Agricultural Education

2026 Program Highlights

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Welcome Sundowner

Kick off the 2026 National Agricultural Educators Conference in style at our relaxed welcome evening. This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with other educators, industry leaders, and speakers over drinks and delicious canapés. Drinks at bar prices.

 

Keynote Sessions

Tracking Towards $100 Billion by 2030 - David Jochinke, President, National Farmers’ Federation

NFF President David Jochinke shares the vision and strategy behind growing Australian agriculture to a $100 billion industry by 2030. Gain insights into progress, priorities, and the vital role education and innovation play in reaching this ambitious target.

 

Pathways for Careers and Education in the Thoroughbred Industry - Dr Caroline Duddy, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia

Explore the structure of Australia’s Thoroughbred industry and the wide range of careers it offers from breeding and racing to allied services like veterinary care and marketing. This session highlights TAFE courses, apprenticeships, and new resources including the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia learning modules

 

Voices of the Future – Student Panel (Eliza University of Melbure Dookie Graduate, Darby Yanco Graduate and Rachel Cann B. Ag, Science (Honours) at UTAS)

Hear directly from the next generation of agricultural leaders as four students from the region share their personal journeys in agricultural education. This inspiring panel will highlight their experiences, what sparked their passion for agriculture, and the opportunities they see in the industry. From classroom to career aspirations, these young voices will offer valuable insights into how education is shaping their futures and how they hope to contribute to the evolving world of ag. A powerful reminder of why supporting ag education matters.

 

Unlocking Conversations: From bushfoods or native foods to modern agriculture - Joshua Gilbert, Indigenous Consultant, Agriculturist & Innovator

Josh is a respected climate and environmental advocate who has played a pivotal role in connecting the agricultural sector with global climate conversations. Josh is a climate advocate and leader in Traditional Native Foods, working with Indigenous farmers to shape future involvement in western agricultural systems. His efforts create new opportunities for Traditional Landholders and connect agriculture to global climate action.

 

Ag Aspirations: Exploring motivations - Karen Edwards, Lecturer, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Melbourne

 

The National Food and Fibre Strategy  - AgriFutures Australia

 

Opportunities in Horticulture - Michael Crisera, Industry development officer at Fruit Growers Victoria

Insights about Australia's connection with Asia in the horticulture sector.

 

Shifting Gears: Farm Safety Resources for Educators - Dr Jacqueline Cotton, PhD, GCertHighEd, Senior Lecturer/Researcher Rural Health | National Centre for Farmer Health | Deakin University School of Medicine

This session will highlight the importance of weaving health and safety conversations into your teaching. Discover practical ways to embed vital farm safety lessons into the classroom using Shifting Gears and inspire safer practices in farming communities. Dr Cotton will highlight key aspects of the classroom resources and share insights from educators who have incorporated the resource into their classroom.

 

Industry Connections

This Industry Connections session offers a cross-sector snapshot of Australia’s dairy, grains, meat and livestock, and wool industries. It highlights emerging trends, workforce needs, and innovations shaping agriculture’s future equipping educators with insights to strengthen student pathways and industry engagement.

Merino Wool Challenge - Lachlan West AWI Program Manager, School Merino Wether Challenge

VEG Schools - Mark Pullin, GM of Education and Training, VEG Education

Cotton Classroom - Jenny Hughes, Education Manager, Cotton Australia

Aquaculture as STEM in Action: Real-World Science for Students - Dr Matt Jones, Extension Officer, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

Grains Resources - Katelyn Lubcke, GRDC Manager Capacity and Extension

 

Rapid Fire Sessions

The Importance of small-scale agriculture and connecting with community - Sarah Parker EO Victorian Farmers Markets Association

National Student Compendium, connecting students to primary industries, and industry to students - Jordan Norman, Animal Science student, University of Adelaide / Ag Institute Australia

Regenerative agriculture focussed curriculum - Charlotte Drinnan/Amanda McClaren

The power of connection; Connecting Ag shows with Ag Educators - Caitlin Grieve, Agricultural Shows Australia

 

Workshop Sessions

The workshop sessions will offer a diverse and hands-on program designed to inspire, educate, and engage educators across all areas of agriculture. From exploring cutting-edge technologies and innovations to practical soil health solutions.  Walk away with practical tips, tools and resources for your classroom.

Workshops include

Working with Wool - Wool spinners and weavers  - Janny Shields

Role bees play within our world - Beechworth Honey and Wheen Bee Foundation

Vermiculture - How to set up a worm farm - Nakala Maddock and Shelley Scoullar Nutrisoil 

 

Industry Tours

Experience firsthand how agriculture and education intersect across diverse landscapes. Our tours connects educators with innovative farms, agri-business leaders, and emerging technologies highlighting learning pathways and inspiring careers for the next generation of ag professionals

 

Gala Dinner

Join us for a memorable evening celebrating the future of agriculture at our Gala Dinner.  Enjoy a delicious menu showcasing local produce while connecting with other educators, industry leaders, and special guests.

Special Guest: Warwick Long, ABC Presenter Country Hour

Two course dinner provided, drinks at bar prices.

 

More program details coming soon...

Download the Draft Program