AgExForum2026
AgExForum2026 - 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
AgEx Forum 2026
Transforming Ag | Technology Shaping How We Grow
Monday 3 August 2026 | Marion Hotel, Adelaide
A full day of practical insights, real-world examples and collaborative discussion exploring how technology is shaping the future of Australian agriculture.
Registration & Networking
Connect with growers, researchers, advisers and industry colleagues over morning tea before a full day of practical insights, ideas and discussion.
Welcome
Casey Treloar
MC | 7NEWS Presenter | Dairy Farmer
Casey Treloar welcomes delegates to AgEx Forum 2026, introducing the day’s theme and setting the scene for conversations exploring how technology is shaping the future of Australian agriculture.
Growing Capability Across South Australia
Mark Stanley
Executive Officer | Ag Excellence Alliance
An overview of Ag Excellence Alliance’s current priorities, partnerships and projects, highlighting how South Australia’s grower groups continue to build capability, strengthen collaboration and accelerate the adoption of research and innovation.
Shiny Tools Don’t Grow Profit - Smart Decisions Do
David Jochinke
Farmer | Leader | Advocate
Technology only creates value when it supports better business decisions. David explores the policy, market and industry trends shaping Australian agriculture, challenging delegates to focus on innovation that delivers measurable commercial outcomes.
From Strategy to Action: A Fireside Conversation
Dave McKeon
Head of Thomas Elder Sustainable Agriculture
David Jochinke
Farmer | Leader | Advocate
Dave McKeon and David Jochinke discuss how today’s challenges and opportunities translate into practical business decisions, sharing perspectives from both agribusiness and farming.
Redesigning Broadacre Farming for the Future
Jock McNeil
Farmer | Nuffield Scholar
Precision agriculture, machinery optimisation and automation are reshaping broadacre farming. Jock shares practical examples from his farming business, together with insights from his 2026 Nuffield Scholarship.
Breeding Smarter: Genetics Driving Better Decisions
Alison Henderson
Owner & Stud Master | Baderloo Poll Merinos
Discover how genomics and practical stockmanship are working together to improve breeding decisions, productivity and long-term profitability within a modern sheep enterprise.
Connecting the Dots: Turning Farm Data into Better Decisions
Ed Scott
Soil Consultant | Soil & Land Company
Modern farming generates more data than ever before, but its value depends on how it is connected and applied. Ed explores how improving data interoperability can support better decisions, greater efficiency and stronger on-farm outcomes.
Collaboration Driving Innovation: The ChatBCG Story
Gabriel (Gabe) Davila
Head of Sales | Caitlyn AI
Alicia Mason
Extension & Communications | Birchip Cropping Group
Discover how Birchip Cropping Group and Caitlyn AI collaborated to develop ChatBCG, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can strengthen extension, improve access to research and support better grower engagement.
Beyond the Technology: Shaping the Future Together
Jeanette Long
Director & Facilitator | Ag Consulting Co
Explore the opportunities, challenges and capabilities needed to support successful technology adoption across South Australian agriculture. This interactive workshop encourages collaboration, shared thinking and practical ideas to help shape the future role of grower groups.
The Future from Here: A Fishbowl Discussion
Facilitated by Casey Treloar
Growers, advisers, researchers and industry representatives come together for an interactive discussion exploring the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping the future of agricultural technology adoption, building on the ideas and insights shared throughout the day.
Closing Remarks
Bill Long
Farmer | Consultant | Chair AIR EP
Bill reflects on the day’s key insights and conversations, encouraging delegates to consider the practical actions they can take to strengthen innovation, collaboration and technology adoption beyond AgEx Forum 2026.
Ag Excellence Awards Dinner
Delegates are invited to continue the conversation at the Ag Excellence Awards Dinner, celebrating excellence in South Australian agriculture and recognising the achievements of grower groups, consultants and industry leaders.
Thank you to our generous sponosrs
GROWER GROUP AWARD Sponsor | 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 Sponsor | 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 Sponsor | 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 Sponsor | 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 Sponsor | 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
SILVER Sponsor | Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board
The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board is a regional statutory authority established under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. Working in partnership with community, First Nations, landholders, industry and government, the landscape board delivers programs that support sustainable agriculture, healthy environments and resilient communities across the Murraylands and Riverland region.
For more information visit www.landscape.sa.gov.au/mr/contact-us
BRONZE Sponsors
PRE-DINNER NETWORKING Sponsor
BEVERAGE Sponsor
Latest Annual Forum News
Latest Twitter Updates
🎤 Keynote Speaker | David "DJ" Jochinke Proud to have the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board as a Silver Sponsor of AgExForum2026. 📢 Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ag Excellence Forum & Awards. Thanks to the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board for its ongoing support of the Ag Excellence Alliance Forum and SA grower groups. 🌾 Thanks to @SAGrainTrust for supporting the 2026 Ag Ex Forum. Turn your dam into a stronger farm asset. What's your go-to source when making decisions about the season ahead? 🤔 PIRSA supports the people, projects and grower groups driving positive outcomes across South Australian agriculture. How much nitrogen is enough?
Technology is changing agriculture—but long-term success comes from informed decisions, not adopting every innovation.
Hear DJ's insights at #AgExForum2026.
🎟️ Register now via Eventbrite: Register here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2026-ag-excellence-forum-awards-tickets-1991537957642
Supporting sustainable agriculture, healthy landscapes and resilient regional communities across SA.
Learn more https://agex.org.au/biennial-forum/
#AgExForum2026 #LandscapeBoards
🎟️ Free event | Limited places available
📅 3 August 2026
📍 Marion Hotel, Adelaide
Transforming Ag | Technology Shaping How We Grow
Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2026-ag-excellence-forum-awards-tickets-1991537957642
#AgExForum2026 #SAgrowergroups
Learn more: https://agex.org.au/biennial-forum/
#AgExForum2026 #SAgrowergroups
Stay up to date with speaker announcements, program details and registration information at http://agex.org.au/biennial-forum/
#AgExForum2026 #SAGIT
Join Northern and Yorke Landscape Board at Mintaro on June 17 or a free field day on improving dam water quality, livestock productivity and biodiversity.
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/field-day-dams-with-benefits
@CSIRO is seeking farmer input this week through a short 5-minute survey on how long-term climate information is used on-farm.
Have your say 👉 https://csiro.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cZPS7RAp5DD3fpk
Thanks for supporting the 2026 Ag Excellence Forum & Awards.
More info:
https://agex.org.au/biennial-forum/
#AgExForum2026 #SAgrowergroups #PIRSA
Join the next RiskWise webinar to explore in-season N decisions and balancing yield opportunities with seasonal risk.
Friday 12 June | 12:00pm - 1:00pm (ACST) | Online
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CBxA5iGyQyy30HSn27smJA
