Shelly and Clint Hawkins are guest speakers at the Future Grass Growers Forum on 3 October.

Getting the next generation involved in agriculture is one of industry’s major challenges, but if your business overcomes that, how much effort goes into providing professional development and support to further advance those young people?

GroWQ is holding the Future Grass Growers Forum on Friday 3 October in Longreach, Western Queensland to support young and early-career people in agriculture by providing practical insights, inspiration and networking opportunities.

The inaugural event was the brainchild of a group of young producers who were looking for guidance and mentors to support them in their career.

Event organiser Prue Button encouraged employers to send their young staff to the forum to support their development and broaden their network.

“Give them the day off the tools, shout them the ticket and spread awareness about this event because that is how we ensure agriculture has a future, by investing in our young people and giving them opportunities,” she said.

One of the owners of private agency TopX, which this year celebrated 30 years, Tom McLeish is one of the guest speakers at the event.

“I’m really passionate about the country and the opportunities it offers people who are committed to the industry, who work hard and are here for the long term, so I’m happy to be involved in this event,” Mr McLeish said.

Alongside Tom, will be Camooweal producers Clint & Shelly Hawkins from HC Pastoral who will be sharing their journey into agriculture and the lessons they have learnt along the way.

“We are really passionate about the industry and love encouraging and helping young people to do well,” Shelly Hawkins said.

“We had such great mentors in our younger years and took so much from that, so it is nice for us to give back a little bit.”

The event will cover topics including:

• Smarter funding options
• Funding pathways with QRIDA
• Practical animal nutrition
• Regenerating Rangelands
• Genetics & making sense of EBVs
• Corporate ag careers & pathways
• Buying & selling land
• Communication for success
• Rural romance & real connections
• Building wellbeing in ag life and more

A meet and greet will precede the event on Thursday 2 October and be followed by the annual Flyers Ball, a fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctors Service and other local charities.

Tickets can be purchased here.