10, 11 & 12 July 2008

From the Managing Director’s Desk

With the recent floods in the highlands region and the council amalgamations, 2008 has had its challenges and rewards which is, I suppose, simply testament to the fact that the only constant in life is change.

I can’t believe the response the cattle industry has had when only six months ago the floods devastated the country side with stock losses and assets swept away. We again have record levels of exhibits and we are having trouble fitting them in. Of course this is testament to an event that is clearly a pure marketing exercise with much of the business being done face to face by the buyers and sellers alike. The prices achieved in the Stud Bull sales are a benchmark to what’s available and what price levels can be achieved in a competitive environment. The whole participation becomes a very worthwhile exercise.

How can we go into an event with such commercial significance and not mention the price of fuel?

Ag-Grow is known for its exhibitors that are dedicated and recognize their remote customers and travel to meet them halfway on their own “turf”. This is no South East Corner event, where the promoters ask the customers to travel to them. It’s this dedication to their rural clients that makes our exhibitors special and the fuel prices strike hard at their business. Like the pioneering spirit that built the nation, we find a way.

We have added a new street and expanded the cattle sites for all of the new exhibitors.
We have also moved the ECOWISE pavilion to one of the main entrances so you just can’t miss it.

SPECIAL GUEST LAWRANCE SPRINGBORG MP WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN AG-GROW QMIX AT 10.30AM ON FRIDAY 11TH JULY.

On the social front. The main bar has outgrown itself and we are now relocating it to the “EXIT Gate” area. This is for security as much as licensing. Busses and taxis can pick you up after a "few quiet ones" as we have them on a rotation from town. There is "Greg" the camp cook from Longreach who has come to put on the traditional foods available from droving days and will be made available in the main bar later in the day. This guy is a legend in his own saddle and I can’t wait to taste the delights of a gidgee fire and the skills of an old bushie combined. Music is until late and the social atmosphere will last well into the night, now that we are not confined to the display areas within the event.

I am really looking forward to catching up with so many friends myself this year and welcome everyone to Ag-Grow QMIX 2008 and wish you safe traveling on your journey.

Geoff Dein
Managing Director
Ag-Grow Emerald