With BCG’s Young Farmer Network rapidly expanding, Senior Manager of Extension and Communications Grace Hosking is encouraging more young farmers to register now.
“In our role as the Vic Hub’s North West Broadacre Node, BCG has brought together hundreds of young farmers from across the region in recent weeks to build knowledge, create networks and support each other through our BCG Young Farmer Network events. Held in Kaniva, Boort, Warracknabeal, Sea Lake and Bridgewater, the events saw an influx of new members attend, enthusiastic to learn and meet new people,” Ms Hosking said.
Ms Hosking said the diversity of the establishing group was broad with farmers, employees, contractors and agricultural professionals attending—testament to the supportive environment and the breadth of topics the network aims to address.
“BCG’s Young Farmer Network is for the youngest generation on farm and is not exclusive to farm owners. We encourage anyone who wants to grow their network while keeping up-to-date with the latest agronomic advances to register.
“Registrants will have first access to tickets and will drive the focus of future meetings planned throughout the growing season.”
BCG Young Farmer Network Ball
The BCG Young Farmer Network Ball, held in Bridgewater, proved particularly popular with over 300 people in attendance.
Rural Bank’s Agribusiness Relationship Manager Brittany Bickford commended BCG for establishing the network and hosting the event: “Congratulations on such a wonderful event! I had a great time and everyone I spoke to said it was well organised and that they enjoyed themselves. What an asset this event was for our young farmer community!”
Machinery drought proofing
Machinery investment with Dan Toohey was the topic chosen by members in the Yarriambiack and Buloke areas. The key message from Planfarm Advisory’s Mr Toohey was to drought proof machinery investment—know your numbers and implement a machinery replacement schedule.
The financial farm adviser urged attendees to ask themselves: in the worst-case scenario, would I still be able to make repayments?
Spray applications
Optimising spray application was the topic chosen by young farmer network members in the Kaniva and Boort areas. Spray experts Craig Day and Lucy Paenga explained spray drift and the importance of nozzle selection at the Kaniva and Boort events respectively. Boort attendees also heard from Dan Toohey regarding drought proofing machinery purchases and witnessed spray demonstrations from a variety of manufacturers.
Timely events
Ms Hosking said the event was timely given the early break and the need to increase efficacy to not only minimise competition within crop but also reduce waste and consequently, input and environmental costs.
The Kaniva event was in collaboration with Partners in Ag and Boort in collaboration with Nutrien Ag Solutions.
The next BCG Young Farmer Network meetings will be held across the Wimmera Mallee in June. To register your interest visit: bcg.org.au/services/bcg-young-farmer-network/
The Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is a state-wide collaboration of 10 organisations.
Led by the University of Melbourne and with headquarters at UM’s Dookie Campus, the Vic Hub is a Partnership between five farming organisations (Birchip Cropping Group, Food & Fibre Gippsland, Mallee Regional Innovation Centre, Riverine Plains and Southern Farming Systems), four universities (UM, Deakin, Federation and La Trobe), and the State Government (through Agriculture Victoria).
One of eight hubs established nationally through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund (FDF), the Vic Hub works to enhance the drought preparedness and resilience of Victoria’s agricultural industries, the environment and regional communities, encompassing broader agricultural innovation. Engaging with a range of industry and community stakeholders, the Vic Hub links research with community needs for sustainable outcomes.
For more information on the Vic Hub and its work, please visit https://vicdroughthub.org.au
