Producers to speed date for new ideas

FARMERS will use speed dating to pick up innovative techniques that will better their production.

Sugarcane and fruit growers are being called to participate in the Speed Dating with Benefits Innovative Ag Forum, which will be held at the Babinda RSL next week.

The workshop aims to muster innovative farmers and “out-of-the-box” agronomic advisers to thrash out ideas.

Funding will be made available to farmers who want to engage a mentor.

Terrain NRM regional landcare co-ordinator Fiona George said it was open to all agricultural industries.

“People get a lot out of looking outside their own industry,” she said.

“They know what is going on in their own industry, so they need to look outside.

“One of guys speaking, one of his best mates is in the cotton industry. He learns a lot about what they are doing in the cotton industry and adapts it to his cane farming.”

Four Far North farmers will speak, including cane growers John Pickering, Mark Savina and Mario Raccanello, and tropical fruit grower Peter Salleras.

Ms George said it was not just for cane growers.

“People need to understand this is for any industry and their projects, doesn’t have to be about water quality,” she said.

“The other industries haven’t had a lot of support. There are lots of people out there with great ideas.”

The event starts at 8.30am on Wednesday, May 3. Advisers and farmers are urged to RSVP to Fiona George on 0488 702 203 or via email at fiona.george@terrain.org.au.