Welcome to Farm World
On behalf of Lardner Park Events I would like to welcome everyone to Farm World 2016.
Farm World has grown to be one of Australia’s largest regional agricultural events providing a unique platform for farm machinery manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to launch new products, showcase their ranges, highlight changes in technology and to maintain and establish new contacts.
The theme for Farm World 2016 ‘DAIRY – an industry on the move’ highlights the importance and future of the industry, with the focus on best practice, innovation and future careers. The dairy industry is Gippsland’s largest agricultural commodity and accounts for over 20% of Australia’s milk supply.
GippsDairy and Dairy Australia are valued sponsors of the dairy theme which builds on Dairy Australia’s platform ‘LEGENDAIRY’ program showcasing the resilience and pride of the Australian dairy industry. Their stand at Farm World in the Lardner Park Exhibition Centre will highlight the various projects being undertaken, including their focus farms and introducing technologies to increase farm productivity.
Advances in farm machinery, genetics and technology continue to play an important role in improving farm productivity, and the newest innovations and improvements will be on show, such as robotic milking systems, sexed semen, the automatic teat dipping and liner flushing system, mastitis detection and pasture improvement methods.
The construction of a new Baw Baw Equestrian Centre on the western boundary of Lardner Park has allowed us to launch an exciting new initiative, the Farm World Equestrian Expo. The Equestrian Expo is supported by both Pakenham Isuzu UTE and Gippsland Isuzu UTE. This will add a whole new dimension to Farm World and its inclusion reflects the size and importance of the horse industry to both Gippsland and the regions surrounding Melbourne.
Visitors to the Equestrian Expo will be able to inspect a selection of dedicated equestrian related exhibitors, attend a variety of masterclasses with advice from the best in the industry, and see dressage competitions on the Thursday and Friday or show jumping competitions on Saturday and Sunday. A ticket to Farm World includes entry to the Farm World Equestrian Expo.
Interactive activities and presentations continue to be an important part of Farm World – there is something for everyone. The extensive program can be viewed on pages 2, 3 and 6 of this program.
We are also pleased to launch the inaugural Farm World Young Farmers Conference to be held in the Lardner Park Exhibition Centre on Saturday 9th April. This investment in the future of agriculture features an innovative program of interest to young farmers such as new technology, succession planning, alternate farming business structures and leadership opportunities in agriculture.
In closing I would like to acknowledge and thank all the exhibitors participating in Farm World for the efforts and professionalism taken in showcasing their products.
The long-term success of Farm World would not be possible without the long- term and generous support of our strategic partners, the Commonwealth Bank, Evans Petroleum BP and the Baw Baw Shire Council. We thank them for their ongoing support.
We hope your visit to Farm World is both productive and enjoyable.
Angela Betheras, Chairman – Lardner Park Events.