2026 VFF Conference
June 1 @ 6:00 pm – June 2 @ 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 some very special guests including Farmer Will from Farmer Wants a Wife, and more, for dinner on Monday 1 June, followed by the Conference on Tuesday 2 June.
Dinner will be held from 6pm-9.30pm in the Lydiard Hall at the Goods Shed in Ballarat.
Farmer Will’s farm is located across two main areas; one between Berriwillock and Culgoa, and the other 15km west towards Willangie. Together with his Dad Jamie, they own 2,200 hectares and have recently taken on a further 500 hectares of share farmland. He is the fourth generation to be farming their property at Berriwillock. Will grows wheat, barley, lentils, canola, vetch hay, and occasionally oats. They also run Merino ewes and cross them with Border Leicester rams to produce first cross lambs; a process that has been a part of their farming enterprise for over 40 years.
A great line up has been assembled to present at the VFF Conference and the speakers on Tuesday 2 June can be seen here in our event booklet and below.
Keynote: Tony Hunter, Food Futurist
Gen Alpha Rising: The Born Digital, AI Powered Consumer of the Future
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.
Ticket Options
VFF Members Full Conference $299 (on sale until 20 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.
Non-Members Full Conference $350 (on sale until 20 May 2026). Full Conference ticket includes dinner and drinks, and conference attendance with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided.
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
