Australian Fodder Industry Association

National Fodder Conference

Hosted by AFIA, 5-7 August, 2015 Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre

Registration Brochure

People in the Fodder Industry

Early Bird Registrations Close 19 June 2015

ph: 03 9530 2199 / afia.org.au

Connect with us: @ausfodder Ausfodder

Spnsored by

Australian Fodder Industry Association

Letter From AFIA Chair

I am pleased again this year to invite everyone in the Australian hay and silage industry to gather in Ballarat for the 20th National Fodder Conference.

The theme of this year’s conference is “People in the fodder industry”. I think the theme is particularly appropriate as people are the single most important input that makes the fodder industry and the AFIA network run.

The National Fodder Conference offers a unique opportunity to come together with other likeminded people to talk hay and silage, and the past 12 months have certainly given us plenty to discuss. Over the past year we’ve seen large variations in yields across the country, a boom in exports to China, changing fortunes for both the beef and dairy industries, all capped off by a hay market that seems to be relatively slow despite the low stocks of hay. The National Fodder Conference is the perfect opportunity to discuss these issues, take your business beyond them and much more, all tied in with some great social events.

This year the AFIA team has put together a program that is geared to showcase how all the participants in the fodder supply chain; growers, contractors, carriers, researchers, agronomists, exporters and goods and service providers to industry, are working together to build a stronger and more sustainable fodder industry. The program will cover the challenges and opportunities that fodder industry participants face in the running of their business every day. It will also include a variety of topics ranging from technical aspects of fodder production, to finding and developing staff, to marketing. All of this bundled up with plenty of time for networking with industry participants from across Australia makes this an event not to be missed.

Once again I look forward to catching up with all of the delegates, both regular attendees and first timers at this year’s National Fodder Conference. It is a tremendous opportunity to meet people from across the country who all share common goals and a determination to create a safe, viable and successful fodder industry, and have a bit of fun!

See you in Ballarat!

AFIA Chair Ann Collins, Clifton, QLD

2015 National Fodder Conference OverviewPre-Conference Fodder Tour, South West Victoria Sunday 2nd to Tuesday 4th August, 2015

The AFIA pre-conference fodder tour is a unique opportunity to see some leading farms, new country and get to know other like-minded operators in the fodder industry, before the National Fodder Conference commences. The tour will depart from the Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre on Sunday 2nd August. Stopping over in Portland on Sunday night and Horsham on Monday night, the tour returns to Ballarat on Tuesday evening. Features of this year’s tour include a visit to Sheepvention, Johnsons hay processing facility in Horsham and stopping in on Southern Farming Systems cropping Trail sites. On the Saturday evening prior to the pre-conference tour departing there is also an opportunity to visit Sovereign Hill for dinner and see the well renowned sound and light show, “Blood on the Southern Cross”. With such a jam packed itinerary, book early to avoid disappointment. (See separate brochure for further details)

Wednesday 5th August (Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre)

• The AFIA Contractors Committee will meet at 10.00am • AEXCO will hold their AGM from 11.00am • Conference Registration opens at 12.00 noon • The Exporters will hold their closed meeting from 1.00pm• Conference Workshop: Decision making for hay and silage

additives from 1:00pm • Conference Workshop: Women in fodder from 3:00pm• The Welcome Cocktail Function commencing at 5.00pm

Thursday 6th August (Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre)

• Registration opens at 8:30am - Welcome tea and coffee available in the Trade Display area from 8.30am

• Conference Speaking Program, Day 1 commencing at 10:00am

• AFIA Annual General Meeting from 11:30am• Machinery Walk and Talk at 12:00pm• Speaking program concludes at 4:30pm• Pre-Dinner drinks from 7:00pm• The National Fodder Conference Annual Dinner 7:30pm

Friday 7th August (Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre)

• Conference Registration opens at 8:30am• Conference Speaking Program Day 2 starting at 9:00am • Speaking program concludes at 3:30pm

BALLARAT

AFIA Annual General MeetingNotice of AGM to Members: The Annual General Meeting will be held on the morning of Thursday 6th August 2015 from 11.30am – 12:00pm. Members interested in nominating for a position on the Board should contact AFIA before nominations close on Friday 3rd July 2015.

National Fodder Conference Program

Pre-Conference Fodder Tour, South West Victoria

Sunday 2nd to Tuesday 4th August, 2015The AFIA pre-conference fodder tour is a unique opportunity to see some leading farms, new country and get to know other like-minded operators in the fodder industry, before the National Fodder Conference commences. The tour will depart from the Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre on Sunday 2nd August. Over three days this tour will visit Southern Farming Systems crop trial sites, Sheepvention as well as AFIA members’ properties.

Contractors Committee meeting (AFIA contractors only)Sponsored by

Wednesday 5th August at 10:00am – 12:00pm, Victoria Room 2Following on from last year’s inaugural contractors meeting, AFIA will be again hosting the Contractors Committee meeting. AFIA members that are hay and silage contractors are encouraged to participate in this meeting.

Pre-Conference WorkshopsSponsored by

Wednesday 5th August at 1.00pm –4:30pm, Victoria Room 2Following the success of the 2014 pre-conference workshops, AFIA will again be hosting two pre-conference workshops in 2015. This year’s workshops will focus on Decision making for hay and silage additives and Women in Fodder. The workshops will provide useful information and include an interactive panel discussion.

AEXCO Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 5th August at 11.00am – 12.00pm, Victoria Room 1 (Closed meeting – AEXCO members only)

Exporters Meeting

Wednesday 5th August at 1.00pm – 4:30pm, Victoria Room 1 (Closed Meeting – Exporters only)

About BallaratVictoria’s largest inland regional centre, Ballarat is best known as a hub of contemporary arts, events, food and wine, with a fascinating heritage background.

The legacy of the gold rush that helped establish the town in the mid 1800’s has helped Ballarat to develop into a beautiful city with a reputation for magnificent architecture.

One of Ballarat’s most famous attractions is Sovereign Hill. Located just opposite the Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre, take the opportunity to spend time panning for gold and experiencing the bustle of an 1850’s gold mining settlement.

Ballarat has also established itself as a great shopping and cultural centre. There are a range of boutiques throughout the town. Whilst exploring what these local businesses have to offer there is also a chance to visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat which is Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery.

industry, she has taken a particular interest in research extension and enjoys learning about what drives decision making in different farming systems. Her role at SFS is focused on crop and livestock integration, specifically the fit of short term pastures and fodders in a cropping rotation for weed management and nitrogen fixation as well as the use of long season dual purpose crops like spring sown canola and long season wheats. Working with innovative farmers to push the boundaries of our current farming systems is something Annieka finds extremely rewarding.

James Sewell Raised on a mixed grazing and cropping property near Smeaton (central-west Victoria), James commenced work as a research agronomist after

graduating from La Trobe University in 2006.

Working in a global R&D organisation, a strong interest developed in endophyte technology, lucerne agronomy and plant breeding for Australian environments which sparked further part-time post graduate study. James manages the R&D programme for PGW, which includes evaluation and grazing trials, based at the Leigh Creek research facility. He also oversees the many key regional research sites and experiments across Australia where the R&D team evaluates pasture grasses and legumes, herbs, sub-tropical and forage brassicas, in order to see how they perform in various farming systems across the diverse Australian environment.

Steve Henderson Founded in 2013, Brewcult creates beers with a twin focus on experimentation and quality. Brewer Steve “Hendo” Henderson

operates as a HOBO (Hybrid Outsource Brewing Operation), making and packaging his own products at other breweries, giving him the flexibility to create new beers and the control to maintain a high level of quality.

By promoting experimentation, Brewcult provides the next step up from ‘gateway beers’ craft beers, taking drinkers to a new level of flavour. Brewcult aims to please - but not by pandering to what consumers want, but by challenging them to find new flavours they enjoy.

You won’t like every Brewcult beer - but you’ll enjoy trying them.

Limin Kung, Jr., Ph.D. S. Hallock du Pont Professor of Animal ScienceDairy Nutrition & Silage Fermentation Laboratory

Limin Kung is a Professor of Animal Sciences and the Dairy Extension Leader at the University of Delaware. He works in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences splitting his time between research on silage and ruminal fermentation, teaching ruminant nutrition & metabolism, as well as some extension work in the dairy industry.

Much of Dr. Kung’s work has focused on forage and silage quality and the impacts it has on the production of dairy cows. The University of Delaware conducts a nationally and internationally recognized research program that investigates ways to maximize forage and silage quality and improve rumen fermentation. This research program, led by Dr. Limin Kung, has most recently examined the value of microbial inoculants that improve the aerobic stability of silages, the use of enzymes to improve feed efficiency, and a wide range of applied management strategies to enhance forage quality.

Nigel Crawley Nigel studied Agricultural Science at Dookie with Melbourne University and then went to on to complete Post Graduate studies in

Agribusiness through Monash University. Over the course of 8 years, Nigel had worked across a diverse range of corporate agribusiness sectors throughout Australia, North America and the UK, which include dairy, rural retail and machinery. It was in 2001 that Nigel along with Mick Hay established Rimfire Resources and has built the business to what it is today. With 15 years in Australian and New Zealand agribusiness recruitment, his expertise includes recruiting graduate to management roles across dairy, machinery, retail, food processing and manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, and commodity trading and agribusiness investment.

Annieka Paridaen Annieka is a research agronomist at Southern Farming Systems, a not for profit grower group covering the Victorian and Tasmanian

high rainfall farming areas. Although relatively new to the

2015 Conference Speaking Program HighlightsThe theme of this year’s conference is People in the Fodder Industry – uncovering our industries most vital and important asset, the people.

For 2015, AFIA has once again put together an excellent speaking program of local and international speakers who will explore themes to help your business grow by taking advantage of the opportunities that are out there today.

Some of the key speakers & topics at this years conference include:

Conference PricingEarly Bird Discounts $80pp Early Bird Discount applies to all AFIA members who register by Friday June 19th, 2015.

Full Delegate Registration – AFIA members A full delegate registration entitles you to attend all conference sessions including the pre-conference workshops and two day speaking program on Thursday and Friday. The registration also includes attendance to Welcome Drinks on Wednesday and the National Fodder Conference Dinner on Thursday. All delegates will be required to check in at the registration desk to receive their name tags and tickets for the social functions. Standard registration for AFIA members is $775.

Full Delegate Registration – Non Members Non-AFIA Members are invited to attend the 2015 National Fodder Conference in Ballarat for $875 (no Early Bird Rate applies). This entitles you to the conference workshops and Welcome Drinks on Wednesday, speaking program on Thursday, Friday and the Conference Dinner. This deal also allows any delegate who has not previously been a member of AFIA, to a complimentary 12 month membership, commencing from the date conference registration is submitted. To claim your complimentary membership, please download and complete a membership form found online at http://www.afia.org.au, with your completed conference registration. For more information, please contact the AFIA office on 03 9530 2199.

Gen Ag Conference Registrations In order to give our younger members and their friends every possible opportunity to be involved in the 2015 National Fodder Conference, AFIA is offering a discounted registration for young people and students. If you are under 25 or a full time student in an agriculture or related field, registration will be $425. The Gen Ag registration includes the full conference program and social functions.

Partner’s Conference Registration We are delighted to offer a discounted registration for partners of full conference delegates. The partner’s registration includes the full conference program and both social functions. Registration will be $425.

Important Registration InformationThis year all conference delegates, including attendees at conference social functions, will be issued with name tags, lanyards, and tickets to gain entry to the social functions. Please note in the event that you are not wearing your lanyard and name tag during the conference you may be asked by AFIA or venue staff to produce it before admission can be permitted.

To make this process easier, registration will be open from 12.00 midday, on Wednesday 5 August so that you can register, collect your Name Tag, Lanyard, Conference satchel and entry tickets to the social functions prior to the commencement of the Welcome Cocktail Function on Wednesday evening at 5.00pm. The AFIA staff strongly encourage you to come to registration between 12.00 midday and 4.30pm.

REGISTRATIONS CLOSE MONDAY 27th JULY 2015.

Registration CancellationsCancellations should be notified in writing. Cancellations received before Friday 3rd July 2015 will incur a cancellation fee of $150.00. There will be no refunds on cancellations received after Saturday 4th July 2015.

DisclaimerThe conference program and registration information is correct at time of publication. However, the organisers reserve the right to change information. For updates on the conference please keep an eye on the AFIA website www.afia.org.au. Please note: Registration is essential by Monday 27th July 2015.

AFIA does not include provision for the insurance of participants against personal injuries, sickness, theft or property damage. Participants and accompanying persons are advised to arrange for the insurance they consider necessary. Neither AFIA, its employees, sponsors, nor committee members assume any responsibility for loss, theft, injury or damage to persons or belongings.

General InformationTransportFor transport options to this years conference, please visit the AFIA website for further details.

Dress CodeWelcome Drinks Function: Neat Casual Conference Sessions: Neat casual Conference Dinner: Smart casual/Evening Wear

AccommodationThis year there are several accommodation options available for conference delegates. For the best rate use the accommodation booking forms available on the AFIA website www.afia.org.au or by request, contact pru@afia.org.au

• Ballarat Lodge & Convention Centre • Best Western Plus Ballarat Suites • Sovereign Views Apartments • Comfort Inn Sovereign Hill

Visit the AFIA website to find out further information on accommodation or contact Pru Edmonds on 0418 142 523

More informationPlease refer to the web page www.afia.org.au or contact

Pru Edmonds – Events Manager

M: 0418 142 523 F: 61 3 8456 5951 E: pru@afia.org.au

Will Ryan – Industry Development Officer

M: 0418 782 382 E: will@afia.org.au

“The National Fodder Conference opened our business up to new

networks, people and ideas. I highly recommend attending the National

Fodder Conference and if you have the time to go on the pre-conference

tour for a chance to see how other businesses run”

Cameron Angel, Marketing & Logistics Manager, Nine Mile Holdings, Darra QLD

Social ProgramWelcome Cocktail Function 5:00pm – 7:30pm Eureka Ballroom

Sposored by

The Welcome Cocktail Function will be held on Wednesday 5th August from 5.00pm – 7.30pm.

National Fodder Conference Delegates and their guests are invited to drinks and substantial finger food in the Eureka Ballroom, Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre. A registration desk will be set up at the entrance of the Eureka Ballroom, however to avoid delays, we strongly encourage you to come to registration between 12.00 midday and 4.30pm on Wednesday 5 August to collect your Name Tag, Lanyard and entry tickets.

Dress is neat casual.

Annual National Fodder Conference Dinner Ballarat Lodge & Convention Centre

Sposored by

Pre-dinner drinks commence at 7:00pm in the trade display area (Convention Centre foyer) followed by the formal dinner and awards ceremony at 7:30pm in the Convention Centre. As always there will be great entertainment and an opportunity to network in a relaxed environment. Dress is Evening wear or smart casual.

AFIA Awards AFIA Photo CompetitionSponsored by

Always a popular part of the National Fodder Conference, the Photo Competition gives delegates the opportunity to showcase their hay and silage snaps from last season. Make sure you get your entries in by Friday 17th July to will@afia.org.au

AFIA Leadership AwardSponsored by

Presented at the National Fodder Conference Annual Dinner the AFIA Leadership Award recognises one young individual who aims to be a leader in the fodder industry. This young leader will be chosen from applications received for the AFIA Leadership Award and will have the opportunity to attend the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program in June. Applications for this award close on May 29th 2015, contact Will on 0418 782 382 or will@afia.org.au for more information or to make a nomination.

2015 National Fodder ConferenceHosted by AFIAWednesday 5th to Friday 7th August

1. Personal Details

Surname: First Name: Title:

Business Name: Address:

Town: State: P’Code:

AFIA Member: Yes / No

Telephone: ( ) Fax: ( ) Mobile:

Email: Preferred name for name badge:

Partners Name (if paying delegate or guest):

Special requirements: Dietary / Other:

DO NOT include my details on the delegate list to go in the conference satchels (leave blank if you are happy to share your contact details with other delegates/sponsors who are attending the National Fodder Conference)

2. Conference Registration (All prices include GST) (Please indicate category )

Category Early Bird StandardPLEASE NOTE: Early bird discounts apply to current AFIA members only. Payment must be received prior the cut-off date. No exceptions Before 19/06/15 After 20/06/15

Full Registration AFIA Member $695 $775

Full Registration Non Members NA $875

Gen Ag Registration ** $425 $425

Partners Registration *** $425 $425

Day Registration Member Thurs Fri (per day) $285 $325

Day Registration Non-Member Thurs Fri (per day) $350 $350

TOTAL

* The complimentary membership offer is only open to delegates who have not been AFIA members in the past 5 years. To take up the complimentary membership offer delegates must return a completed AFIA membership application form. Membership application forms are available at www.afia.org.au or contact the AFIA office on 03 9530 2199 ** Applicable for full time students studying agriculture or a related field or individuals under 25 who are involved in the fodder industry.*** Partner must be spouse of full delegate

Member / Non Member – Full Registration: Attendance at all sessions, including Wednesday’s workshops; lunches,

PLEASE NOTE: This year all conference delegates, including attendees at conference social functions will be issued with name tags, lanyards and tickets to gain entry to the social functions. Lanyards will be colour coded to match the entitlements of the different registration types and delegates will be asked to wear these at all times. Please note, in the event that you are not wearing your lanyard, or do not have your entry ticket to a social function you may be asked by AFIA or venue staff to produce it before admission can be permitted. If you are attending the Cocktail Function on Wednesday 5th, please register before 4:30pm

Day Registration: Attendance at all sessions on day of choice; lunch, morning & afternoon tea; conference satchel,

Partners & Gen Ag Registration: Attendance at all sessions including Wednesday’s workshops; lunches, morning &

Australian Fodder Industry Association

This entitles you to one year’s complimentary AFIA membership*

morning and afternoon teas; welcome cocktail function, conference dinner; conference satchel; delegate handbook, delegate list.

delegate handbook, delegate list.

afternoon teas welcome reception, conference dinner, conference satchel, delegate handbook, delegate list.

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3. Registration Information & Entitlements

4. Social Program (Please complete if you wish to participate)PLEASE NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE THIS SECTION WILL BE REGISTERED AS NON ATTENDANCE AT THE SOCIAL FUNCTIONS. This includes all Full delegates (member & non-member), Gen Ag & Partners delegates. No additional payment is required for Full, Gen Ag or Partner delegates, only for additional guests.

WELCOME COCKTAIL FUNCTION: Wednesday 5 August 2015, 5.00pm– 7.30pm (Inc. substantial finger food)

CONFERENCE DINNER: Thursday 6 August 2015, 7pm – 12am

Function Full delegates (No fee payable)

Gen Ag/Partner Delegates (No fee payable)

Additional Guests (Attendance fee applies)

Total $Welcome Cocktail Function Number: ______ Number: ______ Number: ______ @ $75pp Conference Dinner Number: ______ Number: ______ Number: ______ @ $125pp

TOTAL

4. Pre-Conference Workshops & Committee Meeting Registration – Wednesday 5th August 2015(Please indicate attendance by ticking the relevant boxes below)

Meeting Time AttendanceAEXCO Meeting 11.00am – 12.00pm (Victoria Room 1)

Exporters Meeting (Closed Meeting – Exporter members only)

(Closed Meeting – AEXCO members only)

1.00pm – 4.30pm (Victoria Room 1)

10.00am – 12.00pm (Victoria Room 2)AFIA Contractors Meeting

(Closed Meeting – AFIA Contractors members only)

Pre-Conference Workshops(Open to all conference delegates)

Hay and Silage Additives Workshop 1.00pm – 2.30pm (Meeting Room 1)Women in Fodder Workshop 3.00pm – 4.30pm (Meeting Room 1)

6. Accommodation – Must Be Booked Direct With HotelThis year there are several accommodation options, for the best rate use the accommodation booking forms available on the AFIA website www.afia.org.au or by request, contact pru@afia.org.au.

7. Transport to Ballarat For further information on transport options, refer to delegate brochure or contact the AFIA office.

8. Payment Of Fees (Tax Invoice for GST Purposes – ABN 12 131 678 727)

Registrations will not be processed until payment is received. Tax Invoices will be forwarded.

I enclose cheque*** (payable to AFIA)

Please charge this amount to my credit card (please note NO Diners or AMEX cards)

Visa Mastercard Total Amount: $

Card No. Expiry Date

Signature Cardholders Name

EFT – Direct deposit BSB: 083 663 Account: 826847267 Include your surname on the EFT statement

Send to: AFIA, PO Box 527, Ascot Vale, 3032. T: 03 9530 2199 F: 03 8456 5951 E: pru@afia.org.au

***Cheques must be in Australian currency and drawn on an Australian bank.

Conference Confirmation – On receipt of payment, your registration will be acknowledged in writing with confirmation of your requirements as indicated on your registration form.

Cancellations and Refunds – Cancellations should be notified in writing. Cancellations received by 03/07/15 will receive a full refund less a $150 cancellation fee. There will be no refunds for cancellations received after 04/07/15.

Disclaimer – The conference program and registration information is correct at time of publication, however, the organisers reserve the right to change information where necessary.

Privacy Policy – The personal information obtained from this form will be used for purposes relating to the conference. Your name and contact details will be passed on to delegates, sponsors and exhibitors of the 2015 National Fodder Conference via the delegate list. Please indicate in the space provided if you do not wish this to occur.