MOUNT Gambier is poised to become the epicentre for agricultural economic data with the looming arrival of the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) mid next month.
The bureau will present its outlook for the region’s diverse agriculture sector on Wednesday, September 25.
The event – featuring ABARES analysts, a meteorologist and regional speakers – is expected to be a major drawcard for regional producers and agricultural-based businesses.
The regional outlook conference will examine issues including investing in primary industries, farm financial performance, outlook for key commodities, diversifying cropping and forestry and exploiting opportunities in livestock industries.
ABARES chief commodity analyst Peter Gooday encouraged locals involved in agriculture to attend and gain important insights into what lies ahead for the sector.
“Having access to the latest commodity data is a key planning tool for farmers,” Mr Gooday said.
The South East region has a strong and diverse agricultural sector.
In 2017-18, the gross value of agricultural production in the region was $3.3b.
That accounts for 51pc of the total gross value of agricultural production in South Australia, which is $6.6b.
The most important commodities in the region – based on the gross value of agricultural production – were wine grapes at $383m, cattle and calves at $342m then wool at $290m.
“The conference will be a great forum for delegates to network and update their industry knowledge,” Mr Gooday said.
“It’s an opportunity for those active in agriculture and regional development to meet and discuss key regional issues.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to share common issues, ask questions of the speakers and consider new approaches to traditional issues.”
Guest speakers will include Peter Stock from the Limestone Coast Red Meat Cluster as well as South East dairy farming leader Graeme Hamilton.
The Bureau of Meteorology will also present a “state of the climate” report while ABARES will present “commodity outlook and issues.
The National Institute for Forest Products Innovation Mount Gambier Centre will also canvass the top 10 innovations growing the Green Triangle forest and timber industry.
Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) is a conference partner for this event.
PIRSA is a key economic development agency in the Government of South Australia, with responsibility for the prosperity of the state’s primary industries and regions.
The conference – held at City Hall – is free, but pre-event registration is essential.
At each Regional Outlook conference, senior ABARES analysts present the economic overview and forecasts for relevant agricultural commodities and farm financial performance.
These conferences attract producers, bankers, consultants and other service providers, rural counsellors, local business owners, state and local government staff, regional development groups and others with an interest in their region.
For the full program and to register visit www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/regional.
