Biennial Forum
Ag Excellence Forum2026 - Transforming Ag: Technology Shaping How We Grow
Monday 3 August 2026 | Marion Hotel, Mitchell Park
The Ag Excellence Forum & Awards is South Australia’s premier grower group event, bringing together grower groups, farmers, advisers, researchers, government and industry to explore the ideas, tools and technologies shaping the future of agriculture.
Forum2026 will focus on the practical role of technology in farming systems — how growers and grower groups can evaluate new tools, understand risk and return, and apply innovation in ways that deliver real on-farm value.
With the pace of change accelerating across digital platforms, data-driven decision tools, automation and emerging technologies, the Forum will provide a valuable opportunity to hear from leading experts and early adopters who are already putting these solutions into practice.
Forum highlights
- Inspiring keynote speakers and industry leaders
- Practical case studies from growers and early adopters
- Technology, innovation and extension focused sessions
- Discussions around risk, ROI and adoption of new tools
- Opportunities to connect with South Australia’s grower group network
- Interactive networking throughout the day
- Ag Excellence Awards Gala Dinner celebrating leadership and impact across the sector
Who should attend?
The Forum is designed for:
- grower group leaders and members
- farmers and early adopters
- agronomists and consultants
- researchers and R&D organisations
- government and industry representatives
- agribusiness and service providers
Keynote speakers & program
Keynote speakers and full program details will be announced soon.
Registrations
Registrations opening soon. Stay tuned for further announcements and ticket release information.
Thank you to our generous partners
GROWER GROUP AWARD PARTNER | Grains Research and Development Corporation
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is responsible for investing in research, development and extension (RD&E) to drive the discovery, development and delivery of world-class innovation for Australian grain growers.
We invest over $180 million a year in RD&E on behalf of growers to enhance the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their farm businesses. We partner with leading international experts on innovative RD&E across a diverse portfolio of over 700 projects.
The 2026 AgExcellence Alliance Forum is a great opportunity to support growers to build knowledge and understanding by talking to others from the grains industry and beyond.
Our purpose is to invest in RD&E to create enduring profitability for Australian grain growers. Our vision is a profitable and sustainable Australian grains industry, valued by the wider community.
For more information visit www.grdc.com.au
PLATINUM PARTNER | South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub
The South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is one of eight Hubs established across the nation through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
The SA Drought Hub brings together a dynamic network of primary producers, industry groups, researchers, government agencies, universities, agribusinesses, farming systems groups, traditional owners, and others to strengthen the drought resilience and preparedness of farms and regional communities in SA.
Led by Adelaide University in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA), and delivered through a wide range of regionally based agricultural partner organisations. The hub is responsible for driving extension of existing knowledge and practices to build drought resilience and preparedness in primary production systems. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among diverse but aligned organisations and individuals, the hub is building the capacity of the SA agriculture sector to adapt to and fortify itself against the challenges of drought and other climate extremes.
The SA Drought Hub supports all farming sectors including grain, livestock, dairy, pastoral/grazing, wine, horticulture and emerging industries in the low, pastoral, medium and high rainfall zones. The SA Drought Hub headquarters are located at Roseworthy with our team, and our regional engagement approach, covering all areas of South Australia.
For practical information and resources to help you prepare for and manage during dry times and drought, visit the SA Drought Hub Knowledge Base via www.sadroughthub.com.au
GOLD PARTNER | Primary Industries and Regions South Australia
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency in the Government of South Australia. PIRSA aims to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia's primary industries and the livability of regional communities.
Through policy, industry engagement and research, PIRSA plays a critical role in promoting the future of South Australia’s advanced $18.5 billion (2022-23) agricultural industry and seeking new opportunities for development while providing services to help protect our industries from biosecurity threats.
We coordinate state and federally funded programs across South Australia to:
- drive economic growth
- protect and maintain the productivity of our primary industries
- protect our environment
- build the resilience of and sustain the health and wellbeing of our communities.
PIRSA supports industry to achieve growth targets through 14 Primary Industries Funding Schemes enabling industries to collect industry contributions to fund marketing, research and industry development.
For more information visit www.pir.sa.gov.au
SILVER PARTNER | SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GRAINS INDUSTRY TRUST
The South Australian Grain Industry Trust Fund (SAGIT) administers the voluntary research levy contributed by SA growers.
On average SAGIT. invests $2 million a year in a range of areas crucial to advancing the State’s grain industry.
No other state has a research fund supported by growers for state-based, grains industry research.
For more information visit www.sagit.com.au
SILVER PARTNER | NORTHERN AND YORKE LANDSCAPE BOARD
We create resilient, productive landscapes that sustain thriving communities, ecosystems and industries, as the Northern and Yorke region's official NRM body. Through practical on-ground projects, community-driven action and strong partnerships, we protect natural assets, inspire stewardship, and empower people to care for land, water and nature, ensuring a healthy, vibrant future for region.
For more information visit www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ny/contact-us
BRONZE PARTNERS
PRE-DINNER NETWORKING DRINKS
BEVERAGE PARTNER
Latest Annual Forum News
Latest Twitter Updates
We are proud to be working alongside AU to support the extension of the Climate Smart Soils project 🌱 Climate Smart Soils – Building resilient Australian farming systems through innovative soil... Climate variability is significantly challenging dryland farming systems across Australia. Led by Adelaide University, the... agex.org.au LambEx26 early bird tickets close TODAY! Applications are now open for the 2027 Nuffield Scholarships. Researchers, advisers & extension practitioners- this one’s for you. WHAT THE F. Adelaide University researchers are exploring what supports & limits landholder participation in nature repair on private land across SA. ⏳ 1 week left! Making big decisions before sowing? 📊 2026 Farm Gross Margin Guide for SA now available
The project is exploring innovative soil technologies to improve water infiltration, retention and drought resilience in Australian farming systems: 
Don’t miss your chance to save and be part of Australia’s premier sheep industry event in Adelaide this July.
Secure your tickets here: https://www.lambex.org.au/tickets 🎟️
@LambExAU #LambEx26 #SheepIndustry #AgEvents #SouthAustralia
Nuffield develops farmers with the insight and perspective to influence what comes next in Australian agriculture.
Apply by 8 May 2026.
https://www.nuffield.com.au/how-to-apply
Join us in Port Lincoln for a 2-day hands-on workshop with Jeanette Long, focused on facilitation and driving real change.
12-13 May | Port Lincoln Hotel
Learn more: https://sadroughthub.com.au/event/facilitating-learning-and-change-workshop-port-lincoln/
@SADroughtHub
Practical tools for SA producers doing it tough.
4 online sessions. No fluff. Just useful skills.
✔ Manage pressure
✔ Think clearly
✔ Keep going
Free / pay what you can
👉 https://stephschmidt.com.au/what-the-f/
Complete this 15-min survey and help shape future support, plus go into the draw to win some great prizes 👉 https://tinyurl.com/revegetation-survey
SA Livestock Sustainable Solutions Program applications close 17 April.
💰 Up to $20K for sheep, wool & beef producer groups
🌱 Practical emissions + productivity focus
👉 Apply via PIRSA: https://pir.sa.gov.au/regions-and-support/apply-for-funding/livestock-sustainable-solutions-program-producer-group
Join this online workshop to gain practical insights on cropping decisions to navigate a risky start to the season, including time of sowing, crop selection/rotations, nitrogen management, and more.
Register here: http://www.bit.ly/RiskDecisionsSowing26
Compare cropping & livestock enterprise options using the downloadable guide + editable Excel tool.
A practical tool to support farm business decisions.
Download 👇
https://agex.org.au/projects/2026-farm-gross-margin-guide/
#SAGIT #GRDC
