On Tuesday July 16, BCG welcomed Rural Bank staff members to Birchip in a ‘skills exchange’ meeting between both organisations. The annual event provides staff members with the opportunity to learn more about considerations in the rural financial sector from Rural Bank and in-paddock practical agronomics from BCG.
The co-designed program, commenced at the main site where BCG staff members, including Claire Browne, Genevieve Clarke, Brooke Bennett and Kate Maddern, explained some of the trials that will be on show at the Main Field Day including early sown canola, seeder demonstration trial and the early sown winter wheat trial.
The skills exchange then continued in the BCG boardroom with BCG presentations on climate indicators, soil carbon, and soil fertility. Rural Bank then facilitated a question and answer session on risk management strategies for farming in the Wimmera and Mallee. It was apparent that Rural Bank is keen to support young farmers, and considers information beyond the typical, such as mentoring, when approving loans, especially in those in the early stages of their farming career.
“This event gave me greater insight into the regular financial decisions our members and local farmers must make as part of running a business and how they interact ” said BCG Communications Officer Angela Mazur.
The Rural Bank team really enjoyed the chance to get into the paddock and see what research is being undertaken for growers in the region, so they in turn can use this information for the broadacre cropping clients they service.
BCG thank Rural Bank for the exchange, and hope to see them back again next year.
