The Birchip Cropping Group (BCG), in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria, recently launched a 7-month program aimed at developing key financial, business, and people management skills for the next generation of farm managers.
Sixteen participants and their mentors, hailing from diverse areas across Victoria, gathered in Birchip for the first workshop in August that covered strategic planning, financial assessments and benchmarking.
The first workshop was part of a 7-month program, throughout which participants will explore key aspects of farm management, including people management, natural resource management and succession planning. The program encourages participants to think strategically and develop the skills necessary to make informed decisions that strengthen their farming enterprises.
Participants are not only given the tools to develop business acumen but are also empowered to foster strong farm cultures and maintain professional structures in their operations. The inclusion of mentors in the program adds an extra layer of support, encouraging open dialogue around business goals and personal growth.
Workshop co-facilitator and Pinion Advisory’s Lead Consultant in People & Succession, Carlyn Sherriff, highlighted the importance of addressing financial literacy and building a strong business foundation for emerging farm managers:
“The mentoring program develops skills of financial literacy within the next generation, whilst also incorporating mentors to positively encourage proactive and accountable conversations within their farming businesses.”
For Mallee grower and program participant Alex Noonan, the first workshop was a valuable step towards improving his farm’s operations:
“A priority for our farm business coming out of the first workshop is data collection for benchmarking, to better understand and compare our efficiencies, strengths, and any areas that require improvement. We also want to better understand our cashflow and financial position, not only across the financial year but also in the growing season so it’s relative.”
Noonan also emphasised the importance of professionalizsng farm structures and maintaining a positive work culture:
“Culture and maintaining more professional structures were also key takeaways. Regardless of whether you’re a corporate or family farm, having up-to-date policies and a positive culture is vital in an industry like agriculture, particularly in peak periods when we rely on recruiting and inducting seasonal workers.”
Financial Literacy a Focus for Young Farmers
The Cultivating Futures in Farming Mentor program forms part of BCG’s broader efforts to support young farmers across the Wimmera, Mallee, and North Central regions in developing their financial literacy skills.
“BCG’s Young Farmer Network have identified financial and business skills as a key knowledge gap impacting their confidence in on-farm decision making,” says BCG Extension Officer, Demi Taylor.
“We are excited to be collaborating with a number of industry experts to bring young farmers across the region tools and learning opportunities in this area”.
Future workshops being held throughout February and March 2025 will form part of the GRDC-funded National RiskWi$e project, and will explore machinery investment and business cases, marketing strategies and input purchase timing, succession and expansion, and farm performance assessments and benchmarking.
If you would like to learn more about the program or any upcoming events, please contact demi.taylor@bcg.org.au.
The Cultivating Futures in Farming Mentor Program is part of the Farm Business Resilience Program, which is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.
The BCG Young Farmer Network receives funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Vic Hub.
