Our lives have changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has and will continue to impact how we gather and interact, as well as how information is extended from BCG to our members, and to all Australian broadacre farmers.
As restrictions on gatherings begin to ease across Victoria, BCG are planning our first in-person events since the initial shut-down measures were introduced in March. From late June, ensuring that we continue to follow all Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines and regulations, BCG will be in the paddock once again, providing timely, topical and technical information to the growers to help them make informed decisions to improve their operations.
BCG will continue to adhere to the guidelines provided by the State and Federal Government and tailor the delivery of the events ensuring that group sizes remain within guidelines and that social distancing can be maintained. As such, Registration will be required for all in-person BCG events for the foreseeable future. This will ensure that we can split groups in the paddock where necessary and undertake split delivery of presentations.
We are also planning to deliver larger events, including Main Field Day, in-person. However, we know that this may require some changes to the usual structure of the day, we are discussing how this may look and what contingency plans need to be in place if this restricts possible attendance.
So far within the restrictions, we have successfully run digital webinars and online discussion group meetings. These methods of delivery will continue to be a part of the extension program and will complement the tried and true methods of face-to-face extension into the future.
