FutureAg to focus on automation and innovation

Australia’s newest agricultural event, FutureAg Expo, returns to the Melbourne Showgrounds this week bringing together machinery makers, agtech startups and growers for three days of exhibition, talks and networking.

The show, powered by renowned international farm trade show, Agritechnica, had a successful debut last year which drew more than 2000 attendees and 100 exhibitors.

This year, the event is expected to feature a stronger emphasis on automation, precision technology, and practical tools for improving productivity on farms. Attendees can expect a free trade exhibition, live demonstrations and a paid conference program featuring global experts and local innovators.

“Bringing together over 100 leading Australian and international companies across ag machinery, precision ag and sustainability, the exhibition goes beyond a traditional display, delivering a hands-on experience connecting producers with practical, real-world solutions for their operations,” said Hannover Fairs Commercial Director, Mike Nissen.

The trade exhibition is free to attend with registration and will feature two dedicated zones this year — Grain Automate Alley and AusAgritech Pavilion.

Grain Automate Alley is aligned with the Grains Research & Development Corporation’s (GRDC) five-year strategy to accelerate automation and digital adoption in the grains sector.

“This dedicated zone showcases solutions like autonomous machinery, variable rate technology, and advanced data tools that help growers improve efficiency, reduce input costs, and make smarter, data-driven decisions,” Nissen said.

Key exhibitors include Syngenta ANZ, Connected Farms, BioScout, University of Southern Queensland, University of Western Australia and Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA).

The AusAgritech Pavilion, on the other hand, will feature homegrown startups offering solutions tailored to local conditions.

“These innovators are addressing real challenges faced by Australian producers, improving sustainability, driving efficiency, and ultimately strengthening the bottom line, while positioning our ag sector as a global leader in innovation,” Nissen said.

Exhibitors include CAN Automation, Agtecnic, Farm Concepts, Greem Lightning and Qantec Automation.

Running alongside the free expo is the FutureAg Conference, with a ticketed main stage program featuring expert panels and international speakers.

With an overaching theme of “Transformative Farming Efficiency”, the conference features three full days of packed speaking programs, with each day focusing on a specific theme: Day one on ag innovation, day two on business of ag and day three on people power and solving labour challenges.

Keynote speakers include Erik Guttulsrød, Deputy Managing Director of Germany’s DLG Competence Centre and Konrad Harbort, an international expert in ag digitalisation.

Other speakers at the event include Farmers2Founders Head of Technology, Pete Walsh; AgTech specialist, Alice Faeth; AIgorithm founder and director, Lachie Vogt and Coolindown Farms’ Belinda Lay, which will all be speaking about current trends in the ag sector including AI, data, future of agrifood tech and more.

The program also includes dynamic panel discussions on climate action, mental health and farm safety, and building drought resilience through collaborative innovation.

“The conference is a forum where big ideas are shared, real challenges are tackled, and the future of our industry is shaped,” Nissen said.

“It brings together thought leaders, innovators, and producers for meaningful conversations to drive progress across Australian agriculture.”

This year, FutureAg will run its very first Hosted Buyers Program which was structured to connect farmers with agtech innovators and suppliers at the show. Those who are accepted for the program will receive tickets to the expo, conference, free accommodation, access to networking events and a customised itinerary of meetings with relevant agtech providers.

“We know that time off the farm is time away from the job, particularly during these challenging times, that’s why this program is about cutting through the noise and making every minute count,” Nissen said.

Other affiliate events at FutureAg 2025 include:

Location: Melbourne Showgrounds – Epsom Road, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

Dates: August 6 to 8, 2025
Time: Wednesday and Thursday - 9am to 5pm, Friday - 9am to 4pm
Admission: Trade exhibition - Free with registration; 3-day conference plus expo access - $180

Visit FutureAg’s website for more information.