2026 VFF Conference
June 2 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The VFF Conference will be held on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 June 2026 at the Goods Shed in Ballarat. Join our MC and VFF Member: Kirsten Diprose and a very special guest speaker for dinner on Monday 1 June, followed by the Conference on Tuesday.
A great line up is being assembled to present at the VFF Conference and the speakers include:
Keynote: Tony Hunter, Food Futurist
Tony is a Food Futurist Speaker, Author, Food Scientist and Consultant specialising in the Future of Food and Agriculture. With over 35 years’ experience in food and agriculture he has been General Manager of two food companies. Having spoken on four continents he appears regularly in global media as a Futurist and expert. He delivers a unique perspective on the Future of Food and Agriculture using his distinctive combination of scientific and business experience.
Protecting Farmland Panel
Katie McRobert, Executive Director, Australian Farm Institute
Fiona Conroy, Partner Knewleave Partnership and Nicon Rural Services
Katherine Myers, Farmer, Economist, Valuer and Policy Analyst
Moderator: Ryan Milgate
Trade and Market Update (recovery and resilience) Panel
Joshua Jones, Stockbroker, Morgans Financial Limited
Matt Dalgeish, AgWatchers
Hamish McIntrye, NFF President
Bendigo Bank (invited)
Infrastructure (regional and community) Panel
Dr Hermione Parsons, CEO & Managing Director, Australian Logistics Council
Jim Gall, CEO RB Sellars
Jim Riordan, Owner, Riordan Grains
Port of Portland (invited)
TAC Message
Samantha Cockfield, Executive General Manager – Road Safety Division
Tech and Innovation in Ag Panel
Stu Adam, Agronomeye with James Russell, Lilliput Ag
John Hill, Land Watch Australia
Jon White, National Director, Commercial Activities, Nutrien Ag Solutions
Moderator Stu Adam
Ticket Options
Early-Bird VFF Members Full Conference $280 (available until 30 April 2026). Full Conference ticket includes dinner and drinks, and conference attendance with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided.
VFF Members Full Conference $299 (on sale 1 May-15 May 2026). Full Conference ticket includes dinner and drinks, and conference attendance with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided.
Young Farmers (aged 35 and under) $100 graciously subsidised by Nutrien. The program for young farmers includes dinner, drinks, the full conference day where you’ll hear from leading industry experts, and an exclusive breakfast with Tony Hunter, Food Futurist, and Dayle Stevens, a Telstra AI Executive at the Provincial. Places are limited to just 50 young farmers, so grab your ticket quickly, for just $100. On sale until sold-out.
Early-Bird Full Conference Non-Members $320 (available until 30 April 2026). Full Conference ticket includes dinner and drinks, and conference attendance with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided.
Non-Members Full Conference $350 (on sale 1 May-15 May 2026)
VFF Members Dinner only $170
Non-Members Dinner only $190
All tickets are + GST.
Accommodation
The VFF has negotiated special accommodation rates for the event in Ballarat. Please book early to avoid missing out on the great deals.
Quest Ballarat Station: Visit their website Quest Ballarat Station and book direct using code VFF2026QBS (enter it in the gold banner) to secure the great rates.
Quest Apartments Ballarat: Book direct on their website Quest Ballarat and use the promo code: VFF26QBAL (in the gold banner) and this is valid for stays from Thursday 28 May to Thursday 4 June 2026.
The Provincial Hotel: Book on their website The Provincial Hotel Ballarat directly to redeem the special offer for the event dates, and use code: GS2026.
Why not extend your stay before the VFF event, and bring along a friend or family member who can enjoy the surrounds while you’re at our Conference? For some inspiration visit: Itineraries – Visit Ballarat
