While presenting at an event last month, everyone I met seemed to have some association with the Mallee. Some were born and raised there, others started their careers and many had Mallee family and friends. It seems to me that everyone living in the Mallee is only two degrees of separation from just about anyone in the grains industry.
In my conversations with grains industry representatives they ask about individuals, communities, teams, schools and the vibe in the Mallee with high regard and respect. How are things? What’s happening? What’s working? What’s causing issues? And most importantly, how can they assist?
While being on a Mallee farm means at times you are physically a long distance away, there are a large number of people keen to try and improve the industry for Mallee farmers. The execution of these efforts is a topic for another time, but the good intentions are obvious.
In response, I describe the Mallee in late June 2017 as a “once in a lifetime experience”.
When driving around the region you will not see it looking any better. Not only does this reflect the season, but also improved stewardship and the uptake of farming practices that have increased sustainability. This is something farmers should be incredibly proud of. While I am optimistic that this is the new normal, realistically we should enjoy it while we can. The Mallee does have a reputation for being unforgiving.
As I reflect on the season just passed and the season ahead, I ask everyone to pause and reflect. Stress levels rose due to the late harvest, early break, pressures associated with modern farming and staffing issues.
Labour and staff are a key component to modern farm businesses and currently, they can be in short supply. Finding the right people to work with you on farm in the right way is an emerging challenge which has moved from annoying to critical. BCG is involved in a number of projects which look to build skill development in farmers, but also looks to build capacity in advisers and support staff who provide advice and service to the farming community. This is an area that is likely to become increasingly important.
Now is the time to take a moment, load up the car with family and friends and go for a drive around your farm and your district. Feel proud of your successes. There are many people out there that are proud of their association with the Mallee and its people – you should be too.
And to get you all pumped, here’s a song from the 80’s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98AJUj-qxHI
Don’t be like David Byrne and become exhausted trying to break the monotony of the everyday, but instead focus on the long term picture, where do you want life to go?
