Delegates attending the upcoming Tractor and Machinery Association annual conference will hear that ‘disruption’ is not something that is coming to the agri machinery world somewhere down the track – it’s already here.
Tractor and Machinery Association (TMA) CEO Gary Northover says disruption can be positive if you’re ready for it.
“Change has never happened at a greater pace, and for machinery manufacturers that means new opportunities as well as new challenges. We’re heading towards a world where farmers could 3D print their own machinery parts and farm managers might not even be on the same continent as the farm,” he says.
“Our conference this year is on the theme of Thriving in the Face of Disruption, and it will be all about how our members and our industry can prepare for the changes ahead. There are plenty of opportunities for equipment manufacturers and dealers to be a part of these changes and to help drive the industry in a positive direction.”
The conference, which is set to be in Sydney for the first time on July 17, will include thought provoking presentations on a wide range of topics, from the future of food to the increasing use of robotics in agriculture and how to attract and retain staff in this high-tech world.
“As we wrap up two consecutive years of record breaking tractor sales this is a great time for our industry to take stock and really think about what the future holds. This is a call to action for industry to tackle questions around trade wars, technology changes, the social media upheaval and employee engagement,” Mr Northover says.
Among the conference speakers will be David Chuter from the Innovative Manufacturing CRC, Rabobank Agriculture Analyst Wes LeFroy and Jesse Reader, Agriculture Sector Specialist at Bosch. Special guest, Aussie cricket legend Kerry O’Keeffe, is set to entertain and inspire over dinner.
For full conference agenda or to book tickets (17 July, 2018), visit www.tma.asn.au