Major ag innovation expo announced for Melbourne

In 2024, leading international expo organiser, Hannover Fairs, is teaming up with Melbourne Royal to hold the FutureAg Expo that focuses on innovation in agriculture and shines a light on what the future of farming looks like.

The inaugural event will be held from April 17 to 19, 2024, at the Melbourne Showgrounds, with Hannover Fairs planning to make the event an annual affair from next year onwards.  

“FutureAg is an opportunity for the farmers and producers of Australia to see the latest innovations in the industry for free,” said Hannover Fairs Australia Commercial Director, Mike Nissen.

By organising this free event, Hannover Fairs hopes to increase the profile of Australian agriculture, promote initiatives to boost exports, encourage the uptake of AgTech and provide opportunities to further expand upon the skilled labour force within the industry.

A big name that has signed up for the show and has partnered up with Hannover Fairs for FutureAg Expo is CNH Industrial, parent company of Case IH and New Holland.

“This is an exciting opportunity for CNH Industrial to support this international event right here in Australia, and it’s well aligned with our own commitment to ongoing machinery innovation and the evolution of ag tech,” said CNH Industrial Australia/New Zealand Managing Director, Brandon Stannett.

“This is such a dynamic space and the agricultural advancements we’ve seen in recent decades are ensuring farmers around the globe have the tools and technology at their fingertips to help ensure we have the food and fibre necessary for the world’s population into the future.

“It’s also a chance to highlight the career opportunities that exist in the industry, with labour shortages a current challenge. There are many different paths for such a range of skills in agriculture, and we rely on events like these to provide.”

Case IH General Manager Australia/New Zealand, Aaron Bett, said the brand looks forward to getting involved in the event.

“Case IH is constantly striving to improve the levels of productivity and efficiency for our customers and are always looking for opportunities to ensure they appreciate the technology available in their machinery fleet, and have the understanding to use it to its full advantage,” he said.

“An event that showcases this technology, and the opportunities that exist for further investment in the sector – at every stage of the supply chain – is something we’re looking forward to being a part of.”

New Holland Agriculture General Manager, Bruce Healy, said a critical aspect of agriculture’s rapid advancements was sustainability and the exploration of alternative fuel sources into the future.

“In agriculture we know how it important it is to protect our natural and physical resources, so that they will remain available into the future," he said.

“New Holland recently unveiled the T6 Methane Power tractor, the world's first 100 per cent methane-powered production tractor, and represents our focus on renewable fuels, emissions reduction systems and sustainable agricultural technology.

“An event like FutureAg is so important for highlighting these developments and emphasising the critical importance of agriculture right across the globe.”

For more information on the event, visit FutureAg Expo’s website.

Location: Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

Dates: April 17 to 19, 2024

Time: 8.30am to 4.30pm (Wednesday and Thursday) and 8.30am to 4.00pm (Friday)

Admission: Free