MEDIA RELEASE 1 July 2010 Midwinter Gathering to cover all aspects of farming operations The Australian Association of Agricultural Consultants (AAAC) is hosting a Midwinter Gathering at Quamby Estate for farmers, agricultural and natural resource management consultants on 12 August. The full‐day event combines inspiring speakers and practical workshops culminating in a Cradle Country gourmet dinner with commentary on the source and production methods of the dishes served. Based on the theme, Working Smarter, the event program explores holistic farming practices that help achieve combined people, planet and profit outcomes for farming operations. Expert speakers include Peter Rae AO, Chairman of the International Renewable Energy Alliance; Grant and Melanie Rogers, 2010 Dairy Farmers of the Year; Rob Bradley, Nuffield Scholar; and Richard Bovill of the Fair Dinkum Food Campaign. Interactive afternoon workshops offer a range of activities such as paddock‐to‐plate cooking classes featuring Cape Grim Beef, a district farm tour exploring new agricultural opportunities in specialist seed crops, a soil carbon education session, and the application of technology in agriculture including GPS, GIS and Remote Sensing. Event organiser and Tasmanian representative on the AAAC National Executive, Rachel Brown, has created the gathering to particularly appeal to farming couples and reflect the holistic nature of farming operations. “Farming is a 24/7 vocation and so we wanted to create a program that reflected all of the elements of farming life, from running the commercial business to maintaining the wellbeing of farmers and farm staff,” Ms Brown said. “The collaborative effort from the agricultural industry in planning the gathering has been great. Some of the industry’s most experienced and respected professionals have donated their time and registration costs have been subsidised by Cradle Coast NRM and NRM North.” Registrations for the Midwinter Gathering are now open. Program and registration forms can be obtained from www.aiast.com.au and the Cradle Coast NRM website – www.cradlecoastnrm.com End… Attached: Program and registration details Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management (NRM) works with community, industry, private enterprise and government to manage and improve our natural resources to ensure a healthy future for our region. Cradle Coast NRM is a committee of the Cradle Coast Authority. This initiative is supported by Cradle Coast NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country. Media Contact/s: Anna Renkin Land Coordinator Cradle Coast NRM Ph: 0429 166 949
Rachel Brown Event organiser and AAAC National Executive Agricultural Resource Management Ph: 0419 528 428