FROM THE EXECUTIVE
From the Executive ...
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If you haven ’ t been to the conference in a while , make the trip and take advantage of a program that should provide plenty of value .
Peter Hayes , ABA Chairperson and Tim Jackson , ABA CEO |
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Growing Together Conference
After a Covid-induced hiatus the industry will stage its first conference in four years at the Adelaide Convention Centre from October 10-12 . The program developed will provide growers with a wide range of presentations that assist with day-today and strategic decisions on the orchard . The main aim is to provide as many sessions as possible to assist growers to do more with less while addressing the changing demands of the market . It is a wonderful opportunity to meet many of the greatest almond growing minds under one roof . The cost of inputs is a major issue at the moment , so the ABA has been lucky enough to secure the services of two of the world ’ s leading agronomic experts in David Doll and Professor Patrick Brown to speak at the conference . We have also adjusted the program to ensure there will be opportunities for grower members to have one-on-one time with these speakers and all other presenters for free ! New technology during presentations will also ensure questions from the audience can be queued using a simple messaging app you can download on your phone . The conference trade exhibition site will be bigger than ever before and is shaping up as a one stop shop that all growers should visit to discuss their needs .
In A Nutshell - Spring 2022 Vol 23 Issue 3
It will also feature a second presentation stage , Experts Corner . This will be a forum for specific grower issues and provide an intimate atmosphere within the trade area that encourages interaction with the audience . Sessions will be run in parallel to the Grand Stage so you can chop and change between presentations to find what suits you best . There will also be a watering hole available mid afternoons and two coffee stands to keep everyone hydrated during the day . Almonds have also been included in the fare offered during the breaks and at the Gala Dinner . Naturally , we have tried to avoid scheduling clashes with keynote speakers , like David Doll , Patrick Brown , Almond Board of California chief Richard Waycott and his chief scientist Josette Lewis . If you want a look at global pricing , the founder of the industry ’ s only independent weekly pricing service , Michael Easterbrook from Stratamarkets , will be flying in from his Houston base to provide an overview on market trends . There will also be specific presentations throughout the conference on sustainability , ABA marketing projects , a complete range of updates on research programs like integrated pest and disease management , as well as whole of orchard recycling and for the first time , a panel discussion on the different challenges growers are facing on the Riverina ’ s heavy soils . For those not so interested in the
technical aspects of growing , we have also introduced a Spouses Tour to the Adelaide Hills in Day 3 . It is a rare chance to getaway . The tour will feature a walk through natural cosmetic manufacturer Jurlique ’ s picturesque farm and gift shop . Marketing Officer Lou Martin will host a fun-filled day that also includes a walk through the famous Hahndorf village and a coffee stop at the Beerenberg Farm and lunch at a nearby winery . Limited spots are available so book today and jump onboard for a great day . The ABA annual general meeting has also been shifted to Monday , 10 October before the welcome function . It will be held in the Experts Corner Forum within the Trade Exhibit area at the Convention Centre . The on-site bar will be open for refreshments in between the AGM and the official welcome function . Our Gala Dinner in Hall D at the Convention Centre will start with red carpet pre-dinner drinks overlooking the famous Torrens River and Adelaide Oval lights , while the after-dinner speaker will be Simon Kuestenmacher who is a rising star globally in the field of data management and insight . He is a columnist with The Australian and The New Daily newspapers . Simon is an engaging , entertaining speaker who backs his opinion with data and evidence . You will be surprised at just how much he knows about you , your family and your neighourhood ! If you haven ’ t been to the conference