AgXchange Conference 2025

I had the privilege of presenting at AgXchange Australia 2025, held on the Gold Coast, and it was a remarkable few days of connection, ideas and momentum for Australian agriculture. The event, convened by the National Farmers’ Federation, across the 23rd to 25th of September 2025.

AgXchange 2025 marked a deliberate shift in format and location, relocating from Canberra to the Gold Coast to refresh the energy and widen access. The program was structured around five “pillars” that the sector has identified as critical:

• Innovation

• Sustainability

• Risk

• Farming Communities

• Supply Chain

The formal agenda over the two conference days was busy: keynote addresses, panels, fireside chats, showcases, and networking events such as the gala dinner and sundowners welcome. In terms of attendance, the event drew over 400 delegates spanning farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, researchers and service providers covering the full supply chain.

On a personal note: it was humbling to be among voices I’ve long admired, and to hear from practitioners who are doing the hard work on the ground. Seeing theory, policy, investment, and on-farm reality intersect is always powerful.

Highlights & Key Conversations

1. Bridging Sustainability and Profit

One recurring tension surfaced: how do farmers meaningfully adopt more sustainable practices and remain commercially viable? A key theme was whether current signals and market structures fairly reward farmers for natural capital, carbon and regenerative practices. Policymakers also confirmed government backing, with commitments around emissions accounting, investments in climate resilience, and a focus on enabling rather than policing.

2. Innovation & Digital Infrastructure

Agriculture is scaling faster on the tech curve than many imagine. Sessions explored how new connectivity solutions, data platforms and ag-tech partnerships could bridge the persistent rural digital divide. But the message was clear: tech alone isn’t enough. It must be accompanied by digital literacy, coordinated investment, and inclusivity to avoid leaving parts of the sector behind.

3. Resilience in the Face of Risk

Australia’s growers are no strangers to climate volatility, biosecurity threats, trade shocks and succession dilemmas. Across panels, speakers didn’t shy away from reality: the risks are rising, but so is ingenuity. Sessions brought real farm stories to the stage, highlighting how producers are navigating cashflow crunches, input cost escalation, and environmental pressures.

4. The Supply Chain & Global Pressures

How Australia sits in the global food and fibre system was a hot topic. Conversations unpacked the dynamics of geopolitics, consumer expectations, market access, and how producers can shift from reacting to global forces to shaping them.

5. People, Place & Community

It wasn’t all business strategy, there was heart, too. Sessions on mental health, inclusion, and leadership resonated strongly. Inspiring personal stories of resilience in the face of adversity reminded us that mindset matters just as much as machinery. And in the backdrop: the conference continually emphasised the farmers, families and local communities who power the industry.

Our Presentation: The Next Generation Driving Ag’s Future

One of the highlights for me personally was joining the panel discussion “The Next Generation Driving Ag’s Future”, alongside:

• Abby Higgins - AgCAREERSTART Alumni

• Sam Turner - Senior Business Analyst, AAM Investment Group

• Andrew Powne - General Manager, Cameron Pastoral Company

Together, we explored the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of leaders in agriculture. The conversation was candid & energising, as we unpacked what it takes to step into leadership roles and shape the future of our industry.

Key themes from our panel included:

• Pathways into leadership: Each of us shared our journeys, highlighting that there’s no single path into ag leadership, whether through family farming, corporate agribusiness, or grassroots community work.

• Generational change: We discussed how the next generation is embracing innovation and sustainability not as add-ons, but as core business drivers.

• Barriers and opportunities: From access to capital and housing to industry recognition, we reflected on the hurdles young professionals face, and the opportunities that come when fresh ideas are supported.

• The importance of voice: Having emerging industry professionals at the table is critical. Diversity of perspective, across age, gender, and experience is what will future-proof Australian agriculture.

For me, the biggest takeaway was the sense of optimism. Despite the real challenges our industry faces, there is a generation of capable, passionate, and innovative people stepping up to lead.

Looking Ahead

For me personally, AgXchange 2025 was energising. I left with new contacts, new ideas and renewed belief in the sector’s trajectory. Going forward, I aim to:

• Translate my panel insights into ongoing conversations with young professionals and industry leaders

• Keep advocating for opportunities that bring the next generation to the decision-making table

• Share learnings more broadly through blogs, workshops, and community engagement

To everyone who attended, spoke, organised or simply listened, thank you. I look forward to seeing how many of the seeds sown in Gold Coast bloom in fields, boardrooms and communities across Australia.