MEDIA RELEASE: Next Gen Reps meet in Brisbane

20 June 2013

For the first time since being announced as a representatives (Reps) at the successful Case IH Step UP! Conference in March, the regional Reps from young cane farmer group, Next Gen, met in Brisbane recently.

Established in 2012, the Next Gen program focuses on the importance of ensuring the more established farmer is encouraged to transfer the wealth of their knowledge to the incoming generation and that they are exposed to all available resources to ensure a viable and sustainable cane industry.

Discussions for the day focused around current sugar industry issues, including Yellow Canopy Syndrome (YCS), increased production costs and forecasts for this years crush.

Also on the agenda was a discussion around the future of the program, including potential projects for 2013-2014, along with finalising an industry action plan.

Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, said “We have some exciting projects in the pipeline for the program which we feel will be highly beneficial to young cane farmers industry- wide.”

The Next Gen Reps also had the opportunity whilst in Brisbane to meet with Queensland Sugar (QSL) Managing Director and CEO, Greg Beashel and Sales and Development Manager, Brent Casey for a highly informative discussion on the global sugar market.

The group also took part in a tour of the BSES laboratories and Glasshouses where they witnessed first hand the research going into GM cane, foreign cane varieties and biosecurity.

The knowledge and understanding gained by the Next Gen Reps from these meetings will now be taken back to their own specific regions and shared with their local Next Gen groups.

For more information, or for an interview with Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, or a local Next Gen Rep, please contact Amanda Sheppard on 07 3839 1900.