Joint Rural Press Club of Victoria and Agribusiness Australia event a roaring success

RPCV and AgriBusiness Networking Event

People from across the agriculture, agribusiness and Victoria’s media industry came together on Wednesday night to discuss record farmland values, and the implications for Australian agriculture.

The event – which was attended by more than 80 people – was the first physical get-together for many for more than two years.

For Agribusiness Australia in Victoria and Rural Press Club Victoria – who had faced severe challenges in the wake of the COVID pandemic – it kicked started the year with real excitement and momentum.

People travelled from as far as Warrnambool in the south-west, Wangaratta in the north-east, southern NSW and Gippsland to take part in the event.

The panellists were moderated by ABC Rural’s Warwick Long and included:

  • David Goodfellow, Managing Director, CBRE Agribusiness
  • Adrian Goonan, Head of Cropping & Diversified Agriculture, Warakirri Cropping and Diversified Agriculture
  • Andrew Smith, Head of Sales, Rural Bank

Pictured left to right: James Wagstaff, Bryce Eishold and Warwick Long.

The discussion about the extraordinary strength of farmland values, the key drivers underpinning its rise, and how and why it’s set to continue, reflected the upbeat mood of the event.

Attendees stayed on and networked well into the evening, revelling in the wonderful hospitality of event host CBRE.

Both Agribusiness Australia and Rural Press Club Victoria have agreed to explore joint events in the future, following the success of this launch event in 2022.

Rural Press Club of Victoria president Bryce Eishold said it was the first in-person event the club had held in 343 days.

“The evening was a real success and it was a great way to kick off the year,” Mr Eishold said.

“We heard about the underlying strength of Australian agriculture, and how family farms and corporates were driving continued growth.

“Just as importantly was the opportunity to come together in person. It was terrific to see people from across the spectrum getting back into the swing of things. I look forward to exploring further opportunities with Agribusiness Australia again soon.”

The evening was a real success and it was a great way to kick off the year.

— Bryce Eishold, President, Rural Press Club of Victoria

Agribusiness Australia Victorian state council chair Patrick McClelland said the organisation was pleased to partner with the RPCV.

“What an exciting start to our event program in 2022,” Mr McClelland said.

“The partnership with Rural Press Club of Victoria worked really well, and the discussion really only scratched the surface on the factors underpinning the strength of farmland values across Australia.

“This also was a real reminder on the importance of in person networking and discussion.

“It was so pleasing to see people chatting well after the event finish time. It was clear people wanted more, and I for one look forward to delivering that this year.”

 

Event gallery