15 and 16 February 2012
Gallager Academy of Performing Arts, University of Waikato, Hamilton
Registrations are now open for ‘Beyond our Boundaries’; that’s the theme for the Foundation for Arable Research’s (FAR) fifth north island conference, which will be held in Hamilton on 15thand 16thFebruary 2012.
Keynote speakers, relevant topics and a number of in-field sessions will present some new and interesting ideas and concepts to growers and industry; there will also be a great opportunity to hear from a number of world experts and to network with others interested in the future of cropping.
Nick Pyke, FAR’s Chief Executive says the conference will provide a number of relevant and practical papers on maize and arable research and management practices. “The main aim of the two days is to provide growers and industry personnel with ways in which to capitalise on changes which are, and are likely to face these industries now and in the future. We not only want growers to become more productive in their cropping systems, but we also want them to become more efficient and sustainable in order to meet the demand of a growing world population, climate change and environmental degradation.”
Once again FAR is pleased to have secured Robert Nielsen, Professor of Agronomy at Purdue University. Bob who is a familiar face to may New Zeeland maize growers is an expert in extension education in corn management systems for the state of Indiana. Bob will be sharing with us his knowledge in advanced farming systems and new technologies for the maize industry. He will also talk about drought resistance and fertiliser management based on the results of trials at the FAR Waikato Arable Research Site.
Robyn Murray is CEO, Go Grains Health and Nutrition Ltd, a membership-based organisation which links the Australian grains industry value chain from grain growers to food manufacturers (on the health benefits of grain-based foods and legumes). Robyn will provide an overview of how Go Grains reviews the science and communicates the latest research about nutrition and health to key opinion leaders (health professionals, educators, food processors, food manufacturers and the media) so that they can encourage consumers to include these foods in their diet.
Hon David Carter, Minister of Agriculture will officially open the conference on the morning of Wednesday 15thFebruary
A conference dinner will take place in the Playhouse Theatre (adjacent to the conference venue), on the evening of Wednesday 15thFebruary which will be followed by a light hearted and entertaining mystery guest speaker.
Sponsors of the conference include: Pioneer Brand Seeds, Case IH, Agmardt, Nufarm, HSR Seeds, Everris, PGG Wrightson Seeds, Plant & Food Research, John Austin Ltd, Farmlands and Landpower. Nick Pyke, FAR’s Chief Executive comments, “On behalf of FAR I’d like to extend my thanks to all our sponsors for their continued support. This is extremely important in the running of our conferences and as such, allows us to create a very valuable and motivating conference for New Zealand Growers.”
Further information and an online registration form can be found athttps://www.far.org.nz/conference
Registrations are limited so early registration is encouraged.