Over 250 young farmers gathered at the Horsham Golf Club last Friday night for the third annual BCG Young Farmer Network Ball. A one of a kind event designed to bring the next generation of farmers together to build the connections, confidence and knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly variable climate.
While many agricultural events focus purely on technical information, the Young Farmer Network Ball blends learning, networking and celebration of agriculture, recognising that resilient farming businesses are built not only on agronomy, but also on strong relationships and shared experience.
The event, which has quickly become a highlight on the regional agricultural calendar, changes location each year to connect young farmers across Victoria’s grain growing regions. Following previous balls in Bridgewater and Swan Hill, this year’s sell out event travelled to the Wimmera, after strong demand from local farmers.
Guests enjoyed a formal sit down meal, guest speakers, live music and plenty of opportunities to connect with others across the agricultural industry.
This year’s panel discussion themed “cod, carbon and clothing” featured broadacre grower turned cod farmer Tom Dunn, Emma Smith from Agriculture Victoria’s on farm emissions action plan pilot program, and Holly Normoyle from RB Sellars. The speakers shared their ag career journeys and insights into diversification, education and continuous learning through building networks, redirection and focus when necessary. They all had one key message: through collaboration, innovation and connection, we can prepare for an uncertain climate future.
Beyond the formal program, drought preparedness discussion prompts placed throughout the room encouraged conversation between attendees, helping spark discussion and knowledge sharing between farmers from different regions and farming systems.
“BCG’s Young Farmer Network is for the youngest generation on farm and is not exclusive to farm owners,” BCG’s Joe Collins said. “We encourage anyone who wants to grow their network while keeping up to date with the latest ideas and innovations that can help their business remain resilient to get involved.”
BCG runs Young Farmer Network events throughout the year covering topics such as agronomy, machinery, farm business management and strategy. Alongside technical learning, these events play an important role in strengthening the social and professional networks that underpin resilient farming communities.
With three consecutive sold out events, the Young Farmer Network Ball continues to demonstrate the strong energy, leadership and innovation emerging within the next generation of Australian agriculture.
The 2026 Young Farmer Network Ball was proudly supported by the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub as part of the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Delivered with funding support from the Commonwealth of Australia through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Carbon Farming Outreach Program in collaboration with the Grower Group Alliance.
