70th Annual Conference of the Australasian Agricultural & Resource Economics Society
2026-02-09 - 2026-02-13 | Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, Sa, 5000, Australia
The Australasian Agricultural & Resource Economics Society (AARES) is the pre-eminent organisation promoting applied economics research and policy engagement in agricultural and resources industries including, agribusiness, food systems, and the environment. AARES has more than 450 members, and branches across Australia, in New Zealand, East Asia and North America. Its journal, the Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AJARE) publishes original, high-quality, and interdisciplinary research and policy analysis pertaining to agriculture, the environment, and natural resources.
The annual conference is the flagship event of AARES society. The conference is an opportunity for researchers, industry, and policy makers to connect and contribute to future developments in this disciplinary area. Building on the excellent track record of past AARES Annual Conferences, we anticipate attracting over 400 delegates to the AARES 2026 Conference.
The conference aims to:

contribute to the debate and development of ideas and expertise to address the conference theme;
create an environment in which economists and industry stakeholders can share knowledge and test ideas;
provide training and mentoring, particularly for early career researchers and professionals; and
support networking and collaboration both across and within industry, policy, and academic cohorts of the applied economics profession.

Australian Dairy Conference
2026-02-11 - 2026-02-13 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, VIC, 3006, Australia
ADC is an event for farmers, by farmers.
ADC 2026 is scheduled for 11-13 February 2026 in Melbourne at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Created by a group of pioneering farmers as a forum to push boundaries and dairy thinking, ADC has evolved into Australia’s premier dairy event.
Held every February, ADC has established itself as the leading national dairy forum in Australia looking at the industry holistically and focusing on the bigger picture issues.
Strong global links and collaboration ensures delivery of a thought-provoking and challenging program designed to explore new frontiers and motivate Australian dairy farmers to think beyond the farm-gate.
ADC is a volunteer driven not-for-profit organisation, governed by a farmer-led Board with several skill-based Directors each of whom is dedicated to using ADC to break through traditional state and industry sector boundaries.
Unique in its approach, the ADC Board appoints a new farmer-based Programming Committee for each Conference, ensuring a new injection of ideas and people to create and set the agenda for discussion.
ADC takes its national agenda and hosts the event in regions and cities around Australia.

The Griffin Lanyon Legacy Tour
2026-02-16 07:00 - 2026-02-21 18:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Airport Drive, Airport Drive, Melbourne, VIC, 3045, Australia
The Griffin Lanyon Legacy Tour honours the memory of Griffin Lanyon, a passionate young farmer who unexpectedly passed away in 2024. Inspired by Griffin’s enthusiasm for agriculture and community, this tour has been established to celebrate his legacy by supporting and inspiring the fodder industry’s next generation.
Aimed at early-career individuals aged 18–30, the week-long tour offers a unique opportunity for young people working within the fodder industry to gain valuable insight into the supply chain while connecting and socialising with others in the sector.

What’s Involved

Visits to farms, contractors and processors across Victoria and South Australia
Insightful discussions and learning from industry leaders
Plenty of fun and networking opportunities

What’s included

Return transport from/to Melbourne
All accommodation throughout the tour
Most meals

Generous sponsors are contributing to fund this tour, however, we do ask that you commit an Acceptance Fee of $200 to attend the tour. Places are limited, and the Acceptance Fee will cover your first night of accommodation in Melbourne prior to the tour commencing.

evokeAG. 2026 Melbourne
2026-02-17 - 2026-02-18 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, VIC, 3006, Australia
AgriFutures evokeAG. is Asia Pacific’s annual showcase of bold ideas, groundbreaking innovations and disruptive science driving agriculture towards a better future. Entering its sixth year, evokeAG. continues to facilitate investment, nurture innovation and create impact, which is reflected in its new evergreen tagline: Invest. Innovate. Impact. Since its inception in 2019, evokeAG. has brought together over 8,100 delegates, 391 investors, 577 speakers, and 1,122 primary producers to drive agriculture towards a better future.
Invest. Innovate. Impact.

XFactor Breakfast - Women in ag and tech
2026-02-17 07:00 - 08:30 | Pan Pacific Hotel, 207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
Start your AgriFutures evokeAG. 2026 journey with an inspiring breakfast.
This year’s breakfast, proudly sponsored by the SunRice Group and AgriFutures Australia, will spotlight the critical theme of food security and the pivotal role women play in shaping the future of agriculture and agtech. From paddock to boardroom, we’ll showcase diverse female talent driving innovation, sustainability, and resilience across the value chain.
Food security is one of the defining challenges of our time, and Australia has a unique responsibility to lead. As climate pressures intensify and global markets shift, ensuring reliable access to safe, nutritious food requires bold innovation, resilient supply chains, and collaboration across every link of the value chain. This breakfast will underscore why food security is not just an agricultural issue, it’s an economic, social, and environmental imperative. By harnessing technology, empowering diverse leadership, and fostering partnerships, we can secure Australia’s future while contributing to global stability.
The breakfast will celebrate leadership pathways for women and highlight how initiatives such as the Women in Rice Program, Graduate Program, and scholarships are creating opportunities for women to thrive in agriculture. The SunRice Group will share its perspective on advancing women in agtech and the broader industry, reinforcing its commitment to fostering diversity and innovation.
Panel session – Securing our food future: Women leading the way
Highlighting female leadership and collaboration as key to Australia’s food security and global competitiveness.
Panel overview:This panel will examine how value-adding strengthens food security by boosting domestic supply chains, export competitiveness, and regional opportunities, while balancing cost efficiency with sustainability.
We’ll explore innovation as a driver of resilience through agritech, and climate-smart practices, alongside policy and regulation shaping secure supply chains and market access. Discussion will cover strategies for managing climate risk, fostering collaboration across the value chain, and navigating global versus local food security priorities.
Finally, we’ll consider consumer trends, such as sustainability and provenance, and their impact on market dynamics. The session aligns with DAFF’s National Food Security Strategy to ensure a comprehensive approach to Australia’s food future.

Foundation Farm Field Days
2026-02-17 08:30 - 2026-02-19 12:00 | Pacific Seeds Foundation Farm, Warwick Allora Road, Allora, QLD, 4362, Australia
Join us at the 2026 Foundation Farm field days in Allora for three days of farm innovation, displays, field walks and demonstrations.

Pacific Seeds is committed to innovation and seeing growers’ full farming potential realised. In 2021 Foundation Farm was established, a farming innovation hub driving new systems, practical research and approaches for farm efficiency, sustainability and ultimately profit for Australia’s agricultural industry.
Join us for our 2026 Foundation Farm field days for an exciting new program of guest speakers, field walks, machinery demonstrations, research updates and much more including:

360 RAIN autonomous robotic irrigation system demonstrations
Green on Green Sprayer demonstrations
Industry panel discussion
Precision Soil Lab
Growing quality corn silage plus corn hybrid updates
Grain Sorghum hybrid and density updates
Future of grain sorghum silage
New herbicides for improved sorghum and corn performance
Improvements in managing and drying grain

Big City BBQ
2026-02-17 18:00 - 22:00 | Boat Builders Yard, 23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf, Victoria, 3006, Australia
The Big City BBQ has no presentations, panels or formal program.
Just good food, good company and meaningful connection.
Agriculture is built on relationships – but too often we only connect in formal or transactional settings.
The Big City BBQ is a chance to step away from schedules and enjoy a genuine social setting and be part of growing the community of Australian agriculture.
Take the opportunity to connect with people from across farming, industry, government and research, and meet the creators, communicators and decision-makers shaping ag conversations.
Enjoy a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with food and drinks included.

Hosted by Gillian Fennell, Storytelling & Strategy Specialist at Farm Table, this event is designed to create space for the kinds of conversations that don’t always fit into conference sessions – relaxed, honest and grounded in shared experience.
Good food, good company and meaningful connection.

SA Varroa mite – Adelaide Hills community update (Gumeracha)
2026-02-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Torrens Valley Community Centre, 45 Albert Street, Gumeracha, SA, 5233
Join us for an exclusive face-to-face event where we will be discussing the latest updates on Varroa and information around South Australia’s recent detections. This live event is designed specifically for the Adelaide Hills region.
This event is free to attend and is presented by PIRSA Varroa Development Officers (VDO’s).
Please register for this event through eventbrite. Registration is a must to assist us with catering and venue logistics.
We’ll cover:

The basics and quick review of Varroa mite biology and behaviour.
Discuss the impacts to the European Honeybee Apis mellifera.
Information on the recent detections confirmed across the state and specifically in the Adelaide Hills.
We’ll share valuable information on how to protect your beehives and tips around IPM (Integrated Pest Management), not necessarily Varroa specific.

The update will feature live in-person presentations and a Q&A session where you can ask our experts any burning questions you may have. This is a fantastic opportunity to stay informed and connected with the Adelaide Hills beekeeping community.

EPAC2026 – Advancing Sustainability in Agriculture – Melbourne
2026-02-19 09:00 - 2026-02-20 17:00 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, VIC, 3006, Australia
EPAC 2026 – Advancing Sustainability in Agriculture: Enabling Precision Application of Crop Protection Products by Inclusion in Regulatory Approaches is a major international conference hosted by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), sponsored by the OECD Co-operative Research Programme.
Taking place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 19–20 February 2026, immediately following evokeAG, the event brings together regulators, researchers, engineers, growers, and technology leaders to explore new precision application technologies.
Day 1 will feature expert presentations from regulatory bodies across the US, EU, UK and Australia, while Day 2 is structured as a hands-on workshop, focusing on topics such as risk assessment, label terminology, and regulatory exposure. The conference aims to develop actionable recommendations for the OECD to help shape the future regulation of precise crop protection application.

Grow2026
2026-02-20 | Kyneton Racecourse, 44 Campaspe Place, Kyneton, VIC, 3444, Australia
Join the Grow team for a big, relaxed day of learning and connection at GROW Farming Festival on Friday February 20 at Kyneton Racecourse. We’re bringing farmers, consumers and other change makers together to drive positive change in agriculture, food & fibre production and land stewardship.
We hope all is okay at your place. It’s been a big few weeks of fire and floods on the heels of a long dry spell. We know things are tough. We’re approaching GROW 2026 with even greater resolve. Learning new ways to farm, improve profitability and care for the landscape, livestock, ourselves and each other feels more urgent than ever before.
We’re really proud of what we’ve created: a huge program of more than 40 talks, discussions, workshops and demonstrations across four learning hubs – animals, soil, plants, people – and the adjoining GROW paddock. PLUS beautiful food & drinks available to purchase all day, music, a charity auction and more!
Grab your friends and your work team and make a big day of it.
Pay-what-you-can tickets available now from $25, plus dinner tickets from $20 until sold out.

🌱 Diverse program: 40+ sessions across five activity hubs guided by international and local practitioners, scientists, authors, educators and innovators
🌾 Hands-on experiences: Get into the paddock for workshops and demonstrations about seeding, grazing, fencing, weed control, soil science and much more
🍽 Good food: A carefully curated selection of local food and drinks to purchase across the day, plus you can pre-order dinner when you buy your GROW ticket
🌳 Beautiful venue: Kyneton Racecourse includes air-conditioned indoor spaces, shady outdoor areas, green lawns, marquees, market umbrellas and access to adjacent farmland
📚 Lots to see and do: Visit the GROW bookroom, soil lab and exhibitor displays
🚗 Convenience: Kyneton Racecourse is an hour from Melbourne, Bendigo & Ballarat and ample parking is available on site. Lots of local accommodation to make a weekend of it!
🚰 Sustainable, responsible: GROW is a low-waste event. Crockery and cutlery is reusable or compostable, our dishwashing service is solar powered and there is a drinking-water station for rehydration
👩‍🌾🧑‍🌾 Community run: This is a not-for-profit event by farmers for farmers and for anyone interested in caring for the environment

VFF Grains Conference
2026-02-22 - 2026-02-23 | The Sebel Yarrawonga, 40 Silverwoods Blvd, Yarrawonga, Victoria, 3730
With the theme Farming Smarter for the Future, this year’s conference brings together an impressive roster of speakers you simply can’t miss. They’ll dive into some of the most relevant and forward-looking topics in agriculture, including gene editing and plant breeding to develop better varieties, the power of AI to drive smarter farming, and essential market updates covering inputs and supply chains. Each session is designed to help growers and graziers achieve better outcomes, offering insights that will elevate how you operate and deepen your understanding of an ever-evolving world.
Building on the success of previous grain conferences, the networking dinner promises to be a standout highlight.
This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the strongest yet for the grains sector. Don’t miss out!
Sunday 22 February 2026: Welcome Function

Location: Cumberoona Paddle Steamer
Time: 5:30PM – 7PM

Monday 23 February 2026: Conference + Networking Dinner

Location: The Sebel Yarrawonga
Time: 8:30AM Registration for a 9AM start. 5PM conference close. Dinner starts at 6:30PM.

Dress: Smart Casual

Harvest Her Power
2026-02-23 - 2026-02-24 | Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Obley Rd, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
Join the team at Harvest Her Power for a transformative experience at the breathtaking Taronga Western Plains Zoo on February 23- 24th 2026.
This two-day event is designed to empower and uplift the incredible women who are the backbone of Australian family farming operations. Through workshops, panels, and networking opportunities, we focus on personal development, resilience, and practical support for rural women.
This conference is unlike any other—it’s about you, not just the farm business. It’s about your journey, empowerment, and finding your footing. No more staying silent or learning in isolation; this is a space to connect, grow, and thrive together.

New Frontiers Grainstorming – Bendigo
2026-02-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Quality Hotel Lakeside, 286 Napier Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550, Australia
Leading Australian grain growers and advisers are invited to a free GRDC New Frontiers Grainstorming dinner to share innovative, new ideas for ground-breaking, blue-sky research that will make a difference on-farm. If you have an idea or suggestion, please join us. We need the knowledge and expertise of thought leading growers and advisers to ensure new investments by GRDC reflect what the industry needs now and into the future.
Please register your interest and our event facilitator, DemocracyCo, will contact you soon to confirm your attendance.
