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Minister Bob Cameron visits BCG

The Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron, visited the BCG for a seasonal update on 25 May 2006.

Chairman Ian McClelland explained that many farmers are feeling worse now than they did this time last year. Debts continue to rise and there is a feeling of uncertainty and for some, doubt over whether they can continue to go on as they have been. This is despite the positives; a better season than expected in places last year, good futures and sheep prices, etc.

The visit provided the opportunity for BCG to report back to Minister Cameron on our 2005 drought initiatives, supported by the Victorian State Government.  Read the full report provided to the Minister (pdf)

These included:

• free entry, breakfast and children’s activities at the 2005 Grains Research Expo to alleviate some of the financial pressures and feelings of isolation felt by farmers and their families
• a weekly Over the Fence series, published in 14 regional newspapers and The Weekly Times for 16 weeks, to solve practical problems, share ideas, provide support and validate everyday decisions by farmers
• a Friends for Life program, in which our Over the Fence series participants were brought together to meet and be formally honoured
• our website forum where we invited others to enjoy and contribute to the Over the Fence series
• creation of a searchable Speaker Database to facilitate further access and information seeking
• radio programs ‘With the Grain’ and ‘Communities Under Pressure’ to extend BCG experience and information to the wider community and raise awareness of the complexities of farming.

Minister Cameron then enjoyed a visit to the property of John and Peter Ferrier, where he could see the paddocks involved and find out more about the With the Grain program.