YORK, AUSTRALIA — ABARES conducts regional outlook conferences in each Australian state and the Northern Territory each year, taking its agricultural commodity forecasts and discussions on key issues affecting rural industries to major regional communities.

ABARES acting Deputy Executive Director Terry Sheales said that the York conference program has been tailored to the region with local speakers working with ABARES presenters.


“The Regional Outlook conferences are an essential part of our delivery of commodity forecasts and research results direct to rural and regional communities,” Sheales said. “Each conference delivers thought-provoking information, from local agricultural data and innovative business practices through to the global commodity overview.

“Conference delegates can hear commodity forecasts, discuss industry trends, access information and make new contacts in their community that encourage new approaches to traditional issues.”

The York ABARES Regional Outlook conference features a range of 11 local producers, business owners and regional organizations, complemented by ABARES speakers who will speak in four sessions focused on the region:

Global economy — local impacts features ABARES Jammie Penm discussing the “National and international issues affecting the region”; followed by Chris Moore from Westpac with “A banker’s perspective on risk and finance.”

Toward a more productive agriculture session includes Henry To from ABARES with the “Commodity outlook and farm performance”; Mark Graham from LG Graham & Co. on “Managing farm growth and expansion” and Leon Ryan, Gavilon Grain Australia with “Changing diets – implications for broadacre producers.”

Operating in a changing environment features Glenn Cook, Bureau of Meteorology on “Weather and climate – looking forward, looking back”; producer Simon Wallwork, Julcintra with “Building resilient farming systems” and Jane Mouritz from Hydillowah discussing “From adversity comes opportunity.”

Developing business opportunities in the region session concludes the conference. Speakers include Caroline Robinson, Solum Wheatbelt Business Solutions with “Beyond the farm gate — regional networks”; Mary Nenke of Cambinata Yabbies on “Yabbies in the post — seizing global opportunity” and Steve Woods from Hay Australia with “Making hay while the sun shines.”

For more information download the conference program and registration form atwww.abares.gov.au/regional