Overview
- 2026 AgriFutures Summit was the conversations that sparked new ideas, the confidence that grew with every opportunity and the relationships that will continue to shape careers.
- More than 150 presenters and speakers from six countries. 120 one-on-one Coffee Roulette conversations. Sixteen industry site visits across Australia. Four days dedicated to connection, leadership and learning.
- One message I hoped scholars would take away was this: when someone sees something in you that you cannot yet see in yourself, believe them.
More than 150 presenters and speakers from six countries. 120 one-on-one Coffee Roulette conversations. Sixteen industry site visits across Australia. Four days dedicated to connection, leadership and learning.
Those numbers tell part of the story.
For me, the real story of the 2026 AgriFutures Summit was the conversations that sparked new ideas, the confidence that grew with every opportunity and the relationships that will continue to shape careers.
This year, AgriFutures Summit was delivered predominantly online, while bringing together our AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National Selection Process in Sydney.
We wanted to create an experience that was accessible, practical and centred around building capability, strengthening networks and creating opportunities for Australia's emerging agricultural leaders.
After four days with 39 Horizon Scholars and seven outstanding Rural Women's Award finalists, I came away with a strong sense of optimism.
The future of Australian agriculture isn't something we're waiting for. It's already being shaped by the people prepared to step forward now.
Leadership grows through opportunity
AgriFutures Horizon Scholars did far more than attend sessions. They were interviewing industry leaders on Horizon Radio, facilitating Leadership at Lunch conversations, connecting through Coffee Roulette, and sharing their own stories through Pecha Kucha presentations.
Most importantly, they stepped into roles that may have felt daunting not so long ago and brought curiosity, professionalism and heart to each one.
They asked considered questions. They listened with curiosity. They engaged confidently with CEOs and industry leaders.
The online format didn't hold them back. It demonstrated that meaningful leadership development is defined by participation, not geography. I was pleased to join AgriFutures Chair Mick Veitch and National Farmers' Federation CEO Michael Guerin for a Leadership at Lunch session, where we shared reflections from our own leadership journeys. One message I hoped scholars would take away was this: when someone sees something in you that you cannot yet see in yourself, believe them.
Many of us can point to people who opened a door, offered encouragement or backed us before we fully backed ourselves.
Across the week, I witnessed scholars doing that for each other, building friendships, sharing ideas and creating professional connections that will support them throughout their careers.
That was especially clear in the Pecha Kucha presentations that closed the week. In just one minute, each scholar shared a story that reflected who they are and what matters to them.
Their stories were about belonging, courage, curiosity and kindness. They reminded us that leadership isn't always loud. Often, it starts quietly by showing up, asking a good question, or turning a practical idea into action.
Recognising women creating change
Another important part of the week was the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National Selection Process. The seven State and Territory winners came together in Sydney to present their initiatives to the National Judging Panel, following months of preparation and professional development.
As a member of the National Judging Panel, the task of selecting a winner was as challenging as it was rewarding.
Our State and Territory winners exemplify the strength and diversity of rural, regional and remote Australia. Across areas including education, safety, mental health, communication and innovation, each finalist brought a clear understanding of the challenge they want to address and a deep commitment to creating practical change.
The national winner will be announced at the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in September.
The award is an important milestone. But for many, it is also the beginning of something bigger.
Confidence in what comes next
AgriFutures Summit brought together people with different backgrounds, experiences and ambitions across both the Horizon Scholarship Program and the Rural Women's Award.
Together, they showed that leadership is not defined by a title. It is shown through a willingness to contribute, solve problems, support others and create positive change.
My lasting reflection from the 2026 AgriFutures Summit is a simple one: there is good reason to feel confident about the future of Australian agriculture.
Whether it was a Horizon Scholar finding their voice or a Rural Women's Award finalist sharing an idea with the potential to improve even more lives and industries, the message was clear.
Australia's agriculture future is in capable hands, because the people helping shape it are already here.
