MALENY Farm Fest will return for its second year in November, building on the success of last year’s inaugural event with more exhibitors, new attractions and a broader program of speakers.
The free event will be held on Saturday, November 21, bringing together farmers, producers, agricultural businesses and the wider community for a celebration of agriculture and rural life.
More than 100 exhibitors are expected to take part, alongside practical demonstrations, expert presentations and family activities.
New features this year include the Youth Farmer Challenge, the Prime Pen Classic within the Paddock to Plate Precinct and a dedicated Poultry Hub featuring poultry sales and educational activities.
The speaker program will also cover a wide range of practical issues facing landholders and rural communities.
AgForce Queensland chief executive Niki Ford will give a candid account of her own experience as a small landholder, while also examining the responsibilities landholders face under Queensland’s biosecurity, environmental and land-management regulations.
University of the Sunshine Coast researchers Dr Sam Van Holsbeeck and Dr Shelby Schumacher will present the NOBURN project, which uses smartphones, citizen science and artificial intelligence to help improve fuel hazard assessment and bushfire preparedness.
Health will also feature strongly, with Sunshine Coast University Hospital cardiologist and epidemiologist Professor Kim Greaves to discuss how earlier identification of cardiovascular risk can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
His presentation will draw on the $13 million PHASES program, which uses health data and risk assessment to identify people who may benefit from earlier intervention.
Organisers say the event will again focus on educating, equipping and empowering people across the farming community, while giving visitors the chance to connect directly with producers, experts and agricultural businesses.
Further program, exhibitor and activity details will be announced in the coming days.
