7th Edition · February 2026

Case IH StepUP! 2026 Conference

The premier gathering for the next generation of sugarcane farmers — two days of innovation, technology, and hands-on learning in the heart of Queensland's cane country.

📅 February 10–11, 2026 📍 Bundaberg Multiplex, QLD 🌱 Next Gen Farmers · Ag Tech · Field Trips
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About the Conference

Empowering the Future of Sugarcane Farming

Since its inaugural event in 2013, the Case IH StepUP! Conference has been the must-attend event for ambitious young farmers and industry leaders across Australia's sugarcane sector.

The Case IH StepUP! Conference was born from a simple idea: equip the next generation of cane farmers with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. Held every two years, the conference has grown from a modest gathering into Australia's most respected forum for sugarcane innovation.

In February 2026, we return to Bundaberg, Queensland — a region famed for its rich red volcanic soil and deep-rooted sugarcane heritage. The Bundaberg district produces some of the nation's finest cane, making it the perfect backdrop for a conference dedicated to farming excellence in a changing climate.

Over two action-packed days, attendees will hear from world-class speakers, explore cutting-edge agricultural technology, dive into biosecurity strategy, unpack carbon farming opportunities, and gain practical insights into succession planning. Field trips take participants directly onto working farms and research sites, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Case IH has proudly served as the major naming sponsor since day one, reflecting a long-standing commitment to the growers who feed the nation. The conference is proudly supported by the Next Gen Program, which fosters young talent across the sugar industry.

7Editions
2013Founded
2 DaysImmersive
15+Speakers
Sugarcane field at sunset in Bundaberg region
Guest Speakers

Learn from Industry Leaders

Our 2026 lineup brings together agronomists, technologists, biosecurity experts, and motivational voices.

SB

Sam Bailey

Motivational Speaker

"You Don't Need Wings to Fly"

At 19, Sam became a quadriplegic in a car accident while jackarooing in the Northern Territory. His story of resilience inspires audiences worldwide.

CH

Charles Hurly

Agri Technovation

Agronomy Optimised by Technology

Explore MYFARMWEB — an integrated operational platform used by Australian farmers to unify agronomy, soil science, and data-driven decision-making.

AK

Andrew Kissel

Case IH ANZ Product Manager

Ag Technology & Precision Farming

Specialist in planting, soil management, and Patriot sprayers. Andrew shares the latest advances in machinery tech that put information at your fingertips.

RM

Rob Milla

Burdekin Productivity Services

Biosecurity — What's All the Fuss About?

A practical deep-dive into what biosecurity means for the sugarcane industry and why vigilance matters now more than ever.

NT

Dr Nicole Thompson

Principal Researcher Biosecurity, SRA

iMapPESTS — Sentinel Surveillance

Molecular plant pathologist leading a multidisciplinary project to improve pest and disease surveillance across Australian agriculture.

RQ

Robert Quirk

Director, Australian Cane Farmers Association

Carbon Farming Opportunities

Understanding carbon markets and how sugarcane growers can benefit from emerging environmental farming incentives.

RB

Rosemary Bartle

Rabobank

Succession Planning for the Next Generation

Practical strategies for creating opportunities that allow the next generation to step into farming with confidence.

Program

Two-Day Conference Schedule

Click the tabs below to explore each day's sessions. Program is being finalised — check back for updates.

7:45–8:15
Registration & Trade Exhibition
8:15–8:30
Welcome Address
8:30–9:30
"You Don't Need Wings to Fly"Sam Bailey — Motivational Speaker
9:30–10:00
Morning Tea
10:30–11:30
Agronomy Optimised by TechnologyCharles Hurly — Agri Technovation (MYFARMWEB)
11:45–12:30
Ag Technology & Precision FarmingAndrew Kissel — Case IH ANZ
12:30–1:00
Lunch Break
1:00–1:30
Biosecurity — What's All the Fuss About?Rob Milla — Burdekin Productivity Services
1:30–2:30
iMapPESTS: Sentinel Surveillance for AgricultureDr Nicole Thompson — SRA
2:30–3:00
Carbon FarmingRobert Quirk — Australian Cane Farmers Association
3:00–4:00
Succession Planning: Creating Opportunity for the Next GenerationRosemary Bartle — Rabobank
4:00–6:00
Welcome Function & Networking
8:00–8:45
Registration & Morning Coffee
9:00–10:30
Field Trip — Working Sugarcane FarmGuided tour showcasing precision ag in practice
10:30–11:00
Morning Tea
11:00–12:30
Interactive Workshops: Ag Tech & Data ManagementHands-on sessions with industry mentors
12:30–1:30
Lunch & Trade Exhibition
1:30–3:00
Panel Discussion: Farming in a Changing ClimateQ&A with keynote speakers and local growers
3:00–3:30
Afternoon Tea
3:30–5:00
Field Trip — Research Station VisitBehind-the-scenes look at sugarcane research trials
6:30–10:30
Gala Conference DinnerKalki Moon Distillery — celebrate with great food and local spirits
Tickets & Pricing

Secure Your Spot at StepUP! 2026

Choose the ticket that fits you best. Non-corporate rates are reserved for Next Gen participants, established farmers, and their families.

Full Ticket — Corporate

$370 AUD

Sponsors, businesses, government & researchers

  • Welcome Function (Feb 10)
  • Day 1 & Day 2 Conference
  • Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea
  • Field trips both days
  • Gala Dinner at Kalki Moon
Register Interest

Day 1 Only — Non‑Corporate

$80 AUD

Tuesday sessions only

  • Day 1 Conference (Feb 10)
  • Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea

Corporate rate: $160 AUD

Register Interest

Day 2 Only — Non‑Corporate

$80 AUD

Wednesday sessions & field trip

  • Day 2 Conference (Feb 11)
  • Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea
  • Field trip included

Corporate rate: $160 AUD

Register Interest

Welcome Function Only

$45 AUD

Non-corporate · Under 18: $25 · Under 10: Free

  • Welcome Function (Feb 10, 4–6pm)
  • Networking & refreshments

Corporate rate: $65 AUD

Register Interest

Conference Dinner Only

$65 AUD

Non-corporate

  • Gala Dinner (Feb 11, 6:30pm)
  • Kalki Moon Distillery

Corporate rate: $130 AUD

Register Interest
Our Partners

Conference Sponsors

StepUP! 2026 is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors who champion the future of Australian agriculture.

Location

Bundaberg Multiplex Sport & Convention Centre

Right in the heart of Queensland's sugarcane country — a region known for its fertile red soil and world-class produce.

Address: 1 Civic Avenue, Bundaberg West QLD 4670

Phone: 1300 883 699

The Bundaberg Multiplex offers state-of-the-art conference facilities with ample space for trade exhibitions, breakout sessions, and networking. Just minutes from the Bundaberg CBD, the venue is surrounded by the very cane fields that make this region the agricultural backbone of Wide Bay–Burnett.

Bundaberg is also home to the famous Kalki Moon Distillery, where our gala dinner will be held — an evening of fine local spirits, great food, and live entertainment under the Queensland stars.

Modern conference venue interior
Get In Touch

Contact Us

Have questions about the Case IH StepUP! 2026 Conference? Reach out and we'll get back to you promptly.

📞 For Next Gen Program enquiries, contact Gerard Puglisi, Next Gen Officer, on 0428 988 736