Shaping the future at 2023 Sheepvention

Cutting edge ideas & technology in the spotlight

Sheepvention Rural Expo will provide a leading platform for cutting edge ideas and technological advancements in the renowned Inventions Competition, as well as provide an impressive line-up of speakers on the Towards 90 Innovations Stage.

The Innovations Stage and Inventions Competition have gained a reputation for showcasing ground-breaking concepts and thought-provoking discussions within the agricultural industry.

This year’s event is no exception, as the Hub will showcase an array of visionary speakers, inventions and businesses alike to inspire, educate and challenge conventional thinkers.

Among the noticeable speakers gracing the Innovation Stage is James Nagorcka (pictured), a renowned local inventor.

After building his own tractor on his property just outside of Hamilton, he won contracts with US giant John Deere.

Joining the line-up will be Sinclair Wilson, Meat & Livestock Australia, Mallee Marketing, NextGen Agri, Elders, Agriculture Victoria and Humans of Agriculture to name a few. The stage will cover topics including; factors impacting the agribusiness sectors, optimising reproductive productions in livestock, machine learning in the livestock industry and water management.

The renowned Inventions Competition highlights some of the most creative and inventive ideas from entrepreneurs and inventors.

Every inventor has to start somewhere, and at Sheepvention, they can take advantage of the opportunity to connect with various stakeholders.

Last year, the competition was taken out by AWI’s Stephen Feighan and SCAA Training’s Glenn Haynes.

They designed a mechanical system that delivers the sheep to the shearer, thereby eliminating the catch and drag from the pen.

This minimises the chance of injury to the shearer and the sheep whilst also maximising productivity with significantly reduced handling times.

The competition will host a number of classes, including: Livestock equipment & technology,

Tuscan pumpkin soup

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 brown onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto, plus extra, to serve

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 large fresh rosemary sprig

1.5kg butternut pumpkin, peeled, deseeded, coarsely chopped

1L carton (4 cups) Chicken Liquid Stock farm machinery, house & garden, business & corporate technology, kindergarten, primary, secondary & tertiary students.

The stage and competition will take place in the ACE Radio Innovations Hub and will be complimented by trade exhibitors focused in the educational, professional services, government and innovative sectors.

Sheepvention Rural Expo will take place on Sunday, August 6 and Monday, August 7, at the Hamilton Showgrounds. For more event information and ticket purchases please visit www. sheepvention.com

40g (1⁄2 cup) shredded parmesan

Thickened cream, to serve

Method

Heat oil in a large saucepan or stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook onion, stirring, for 4-5 minutes or until softened. Add pesto, garlic and rosemary. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until aromatic. Add pumpkin and stock. Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, partially covered with lid and stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until pumpkin is tender. Remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly. Discard rosemary. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Scatter parmesan over prepared tray into four 12cm discs, allowing room for spreading. Bake for 4-5 minutes or until golden. Set aside on tray to cool. Return the soup to the pan. Stir over low heat for 2-3 minutes to heat through. Divide among serving bowls. Top with cream, extra pesto, basil and parmesan crisps. Season with pepper.