“I believe dairy farmers are progressive in their thinking, and are keen to hear about the latest developments within their industry,” Mr Hicks said.

“It is through conferences like this that give us the opportunity to flesh out new ideas, seek inspiration and be open to some ‘blue sky’ thinking across a range of topics.”

In 2020, the DairySA Conference is embracing ‘Bold Ideas’ — it will explore new directions in chromosomal mating and dairy beef, plunge into social licence conversations on replacement calves, delve into ways of driving positive dairy culture, revisit proven ‘best practice’ in silage, and showcase success stories from dairy businesses ‘doing it differently’.

Up to 150 dairy farmers and service providers from across SA’s Fleurieu, Barossa Mid-North, and River and Lakes regions — and even from the South East — are expected to attend the popular one day conference, to be held at Chateau Tanunda, Barossa Valley on Thursday, March 5.

“This years conference will have an abundance of insightful speakers who will delve deeper into some of the current issues that we hear about, but don’t always have the time to unpack to see how they can drive our business more profitably,” Mr Hicks said.

“I’m particularly excited to hear about potential efficiencies in chromosomal mating with groundbreaking technologies in the sex semen area being developed by US-based ST Technologies.”

Warren Davies from ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ will also feature in the program, providing an authentic, inspiring and sometimes confronting presentation filled with take-home strategies developed from his business and life journey around the key themes of resilience, persistence and determination.

The ‘Gather and Graze’ post-conference event – where delegates discuss the day’s events with a light graze and drinks – will be followed by the popular conference dinner. This year’s dinner will be a laid back affair — it’s a chance to relax, enjoy the company of others, have fun and unwind with light-hearted entertainment promising plenty of laughs.

“During the conference breaks there are also plenty of opportunities to network with other farmers, service providers and industry members, which is a highly valued element to the day,” Mr Hicks said.

For more information contact DairySA’s Beck Burgess, phone 0438 262 966. Registrations are now open through Eventbrite at https://2020dsacc.eventbrite.com.au/.