The conference was preceded yesterday with trade displays and demonstrations of hay making machinery at the Elmore Field Days site at Elmore, Victoria.

The two-day National Fodder Conference has brought together business leaders, researchers, industry experts and those engaged in fodder production to explore new technologies and understand the latest research and development outcomes.

"The fodder industry, like all commodities across the agriculture sector must adapt and change to meet future demands and challenges and remain competitive," said Paula Fitzgerald, AFIA's chief executive officer.

"This year's conference program is packed full of issues and developments for the industry to be at the forefront of, including carbon sequestration, future protein sources, research and development outcomes, waste management and environmental sustainability," she said.

"To set the scene, the conference will start with Stefan Vogel, the general manager of RaboResearch delivering the Australian agriculture economy outlook. We will also hear how fodder producers in the USA are faring as Jon Paul Driver from Hay Kings shares his perspective."

Featured presentations across the two-day event include:

• Louise Brown, chief executive of HydGENE renewables, an organisation which turns biomass residues into hydrogen and into fertiliser while sequestering carbon.

• Future protein - opportunity or threat? is the focus of Dr Crispin Howitt, the Future Protein Mission Lead of CSIRO's address as he works to meet the world's increased demand for protein.

• Alison Frischke, project manager, presenting research from the Birchip Cropping Group about the National Hay Agronomy Program outcomes.

• Simone Reinertsen, the Stakeholder Engagement Officer from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, who will provide an update of recent regulatory updates impacting the movement of freight and fodder across the country.