Sugar conference back on the agenda

The future of the sugarcane industry, technological advancements in farming and biosecurity are among the topics to be covered at the Case IH StepUP! Conference next week taking place in Australia’s sugar cane central, Bundaberg.

The upcoming conference is the fourth event since its inception in 2013 and Case IH will once again be the major naming sponsor.

Case IH ANZ Product Manager, Andrew Kissel, is among the conference speakers and will be speaking about Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) and the applications for the sugarcane industry.

“Case IH has a raft of exciting new innovations within its AFS unit, with a suite of precision farming solutions designed to give farmers the means of controlling every aspect of the crop production cycle,” Kissel said.

“AFS Connect is one particular aspect that allows farmers to remotely monitor and manage their farm, fleet and data, accommodating optimised performance, productivity and flexibility. With all this information at their fingertips, they can successfully manage their operations anytime, anywhere, and for cane farmers that opens up a world of exciting new possibilities.

“Sugar is the second largest export crop in Australia after wheat, and Case IH wants to help local sugar producers in any way we can when it comes to improved efficiencies and outputs.”

The 2021 Case IH Step UP! Conference will be held over two days (February 9 and 10) at Bundaberg’s Multiplex Sport and Convention Complex and will showcase speakers including Dr Nicole Thompson SRA; Andrew Chamberlin from the Queensland Farmers Federation; and Andrew Phipps from Queensland Sugar Limited. Motivational speaker Sam Bailey, who was just 19 when he became a quadriplegic after a car accident, will open the conference.

The conference is organised by Next Gen - the industry body for young sugarcane professionals – and aims to encourage and support young people into a career in the sugarcane industry.

The conference offers a platform for both young and established farmers, millers, researchers and harvesting contractors to discuss and learn about innovation, sustainability and profitability, and encourages the transfer of knowledge between generations.

“Case IH came on board when this conference began in 2013 because we could see the value supporting such an important initiative for the sugarcane industry,” said Case IH General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Pete McCann.

“The sugarcane sector has always been an important focus for the company, and we’re committed to making the necessary investment in the products and innovations that will sustain this industry into the future. StepUP! provides genuine opportunities for meaningful discussion about the industry and where it’s headed, and that’s something we’re keen to be a part of.”

Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) Director and Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, welcomed the ongoing sponsorship support of Case IH.

“It’s a great partnership for us, knowing Case IH shares our vision for the future of agriculture in this country, and appreciates the importance of nurturing and encouraging our young people into careers within the sugar industry, and right across the ag sector.”

Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to attend a field trip to a local sugarcane farm and a trade exhibition at the convention centre for the duration of the conference. The event will wrap up with a function at the Kalki Moon Distillery on Wednesday evening.

For more information on the event, such as ticket pricing and full conference program, visit nextgensetup.com