Australian Agribusiness Leaders Firmly Focused on the Future

Agribusiness Leaders From Across Australasia Firmly Focused on the Future

Could disruptive health care, blockchain technology, molecular diagnostics, millennial and gen-Z consumer engagement be the agenda items of an IT summit? Think again. These are just some of the topics being discussed at the annual Platinum Primary Producers (PPP) Conference, taking place in Taupo next week.

On Monday, over 150 of Australasia’s leading agribusiness professionals will gather in Taupo for the annual PPP Conference, an event tasked with discussing and debating pertinent issues in the agricultural industry, and seeking ways to work together to tackle some of the toughest industry challenges head-on. Agenda topics will include disruptive technology and how to stay ahead of it, future trends, economic food consumption, and mental wellness and resilience.

PPP founder Chairman and Shane McManaway says the PPP Group, which brings together some of the most influential, innovative and positive agricultural leaders in Australasia, is looking forward to putting forward the challenge to the group to work collectively to stay ahead of the game.

“The agricultural landscape is changing at a rate of knots. We’ve got incredible innovations happening not only in the world around us, but also in our industry. The key is to harness the opportunities and lead the way. Not that long ago, people were encouraged to go into farming if they didn’t have any other options. Now, it’s a progressive, leading-edge industry. The future is exciting.”

Keynote speakers include medical inventor of digital bio-communication Dr Wei Siang Yu, creative technologist and digital disruption specialist Andrew Plimmer, Rabobank Emerging Leader of the Year and Coles Rising Star Jan Vydra of Australian Fresh Leaf Herbs, and ex All Black and Mental Health Advocate Sir John Kirwan.

The PPP Conference also marks the announcement of the 2018 winner of the Zanda McDonald Award, a prestigious badge of honour that recognises future leaders in Australasia’s agribusiness industry. Finalists Lisa Kendall, 25, Thomas Macdonald, 24, and Janet Reddan, 33, all compete for the title, with the winner taking home a prize package worth $50,000.

ENDS

PPP Group

In 2005, Shane McManaway of Allflex Australasia, pulled together a handful of like-minded farmers to spin some yarns and solve a few industry problems. Today, this once-small group has evolved into a powerful collective of over 150 of Australia and New Zealand’s top rural leaders. The combined horsepower of the Group - its knowledge, experience, drive and resources - means it is well-placed to tackle the toughest of industry problems and come up with smart initiatives that will help agri-business in both countries.

With a truly Trans-Tasman outlook, the Group provides an international platform for members to network, share their thoughts and ideas and impart their experience to others. Given its wealth of knowledge, the Group is also a 'come-to' organisation for anyone in (or aligned to), agriculture who might need a helping hand.

Zanda McDonald Award

Zanda McDonald was a prominent identity in the Australian beef and livestock industry and a foundation member of the PPP Group. He died in April 2013 at the age of 41, following a tragic accident on his Queensland cattle property. Launched in 2014 by the Platinum Primary Producers (PPP) Group, this award was born out of mate-ship and respect for one of agriculture's natural leaders.

The PPP Group is a collective of over 150 of Australasia's most influential rural leaders, representing over 12 million hectares (28%) of farmland across the two countries and over 20 million livestock units.

The award is open to passionate and determined individuals under the age of 35 years who are currently working in the agri-business sectors of either Australia or New Zealand, and who demonstrate natural leadership ability. Applications for the 2019 award open in July 2018.

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