‘Are we future ready’: TMA to focus on the big picture

The Tractor & Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) will hold its 2025 annual conference in Melbourne on Thursday, July 24, focussed on the theme - ‘Are we future ready’? 

The conversation will focus on Australia’s agricultural machinery sector as it adapts to accelerating technological, environmental and economic change. Topics will include digital disruption and data-driven farming to machinery trends and the mental health of rural communities. 

Guest speakers include: 

Lachlan Monsbourgh from Rabobank 
Topic: The Future of Farming and the Role of Data 
As Agricultural and Environmental Lead in Rabobank’s global rural portfolio, Lachlan will discuss how the future of farming is being shaped by environmental responsibility, data management and evolving global expectations. 

Robbie Sefton AM from Seftons 
Topic: Primed for Progress: Innovation, Growth, and Opportunity in Agriculture 
A nationally respected voice in regional Australia, Robbie will speak on harnessing innovation and leadership for rural growth. With experience spanning business, government, and non-profits, she brings rich insights into shaping a resilient, future-forward agricultural sector. 

Gus Hogan from Delta Agribusiness 
Topic: Insights from On-Farm Advisors on Machinery and Technology 
As Precision Ag Manager at Delta Ag, Gus will share real-world experiences from the intersection of agronomy, data and machinery. With a background in engineering and agtech, Gus will unpack the evolving role of agronomists and precision agriculture specialists in influencing machinery decisions and outcomes. 

Melinda Haley from Kynetec 
Topic: State of the Industry 
Melinda has more than 20 years’ experience in data analysis and research within the agricultural industry globally. She is widely regarded as a thought leader in the provision of business intelligence, data mining, predictive analysis and data visualisation in food, fibre and biotechnology. 

Justin Smirk from Westpac 
Topic: Economic Update 
A veteran economist with over two decades of experience in financial markets, Justin will present a comprehensive update on Australia’s economic landscape – including labour trends, commodity markets, and the outlook for agricultural finance. 

Brad Hogg from GPA Mental Health Initiative 
Topic: Mental Health in Agriculture 
Former Australian cricketer and now national ambassador for Grain Producers Australia’s Farmer Mates Mental Health program, Brad will deliver a powerful talk on mental health in rural Australia. Drawing on his own experiences, Brad’s message aims to reduce stigma, encourage connection and raise awareness of support resources for farming communities. 

More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. 

The TMA conference, open to dealers, manufacturers, advisors and stakeholders in the machinery supply chain, will be held at Hyatt Essendon Fields, only a few minutes away from Melbourne Airport. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit TMA's website.