CQ AgTech showcase to highlight region's agricultural innovation

By Rachel McGhee

The best of central Queensland’s agricultural innovation will be on display during a new AgTech tour of the region in February 2025.
 
The CQ AgTech Showcase is a carefully curated road trip that will begin in the agricultural hub of Emerald, and make its way to the Beef Capital of Rockhampton and beyond to the Capricorn Coast, highlighting the region’s agricultural innovations and technology.
 
From February 14 to February 16, up to 50 participants will have the opportunity to visit start-ups and producer adoption sites, take part in masterclasses and taste local foods with regional produce and Indigenous food themed meals.
 
Event organiser Sonya Comiskey said central Queensland is an agricultural powerhouse and participants will see first-hand why the region is leading the way in agricultural innovation.
 
“The are some fantastic people and initiatives across Central Queensland and we’re excited to shine a spotlight not only on our innovators but also our fantastic region and agricultural sector.”
 
Ms Comiskey said the event is a unique collaboration of key players across the region’s agricultural ecosystem. These include the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries CQ Smart Cropping Centre, Central Highlands Development Corporation, Central Highlands Regional Resources Use Planning Co-operative (CHRRUP), Livingstone Shire Council and Advance Rockhampton and Agristart.
 
“Our guests to the region will gain access to some of Australia's leading start-ups and initiatives such as global autonomous robotics innovator, SwarmFarm Robotics and DAF’sSmart Farm which will be showcasing the tech they have in the field,” Ms Comiskey said.
 
“Visitors will see Northern Australia's only operational inland port and participants will hear from local producers about their agriculture technology adoption experiences.
 
The tour will stop at Rookwood Weir which has been the catalyst for some major innovation projects in the area such as a new feedlot development by Mort & Co which uses using circular economy principles to make fertiliser from waste.
 
CQUniversity will also throw open the doors of the Central Queensland Innovation & Research Precinct in Rockhampton where guests can explore some of the world-leading research being carried out within the Institute for Future Farming Systems.
 
The CQ AgTech Showcases is a sideline event to evokeAg in Brisbane on February 18 and 19.
 
“The CQ Agtech Showcase tour will be a highly experiential visit that sparks impactful conversations, connections and insights about the central Queensland agriculture sector.
 
“It is the ultimate way to kick off the evokeAG 2025 experience.”
 
Expressions of Interest are now open for the CQ AgTech Showcase - register here to avoid missing out.