Strategies for 2020 Forum
Strategies for 2020 Forum
A one-day workshop to explore what & how land and business decisions will need to be made in drought recovery.
Collaborations -
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The issue
Boorowa Community Landcare Group’s philosophy is more than simply planting trees, restoring soil health or regenerating pastures. It's equally about the landholder's ability to survive tough seasonal conditions mentally, physically and economically.
The aim was to partner with other local groups to host an event with discussions about the profitability of having an ecological goal in your farm business. This one-day workshop aimed at sheep producers, opened conversations to encourage people to make decisions for their land as well as their business.
The solution
On 20 February 2020, Landcare groups partnered with NSW Farmers and Local Land Services in the South-East to host a forum held at the new CSIRO Boorowa Agricultural Research Station. The consortium came together to host a discussion to explore what and how decisions will need to be made in drought recovery.
The day was facilitated by Mark Gardner from Vanguard Business Services and involved frank & open dialogue from two case study producers; Norm Smith, Wellington and Rowan Medway AgScope Gunning. Ted O’Kane from NSW DPI Rural Resilience, discussed how successful business are supported by frameworks for clear thinking and making timely decisions.
The impact
More than 50 farmers and industry specialists attended the day & benefitted from this great collaboration of Landcare groups, NSW Farmers & LLS. Participants were encouraged to actively engage in an interactive workshop.
The focus was on farm management strategies in complex times and highlighted the need to be aware of the emotional roller coaster you may be on when making decisions during times of stress such as drought, flood or bushfire devastation.
A brainstorming session at the end of the workshop raised some 60 ideas from the floor when asked about decisions to be made once the season breaks.
Learnings
The collaboration between NSW Farmers, Landcare groups and South East Local Land Services worked very well and drew a diverse crowd to the workshop ranging from small producers to larger landholders.
Landcare can act as a conduit between government agencies like Local Land Services & Department of Primary Industries and the community to help disseminate information & support resources.
Key facts
- Forum attended by more than 50 farmers.
- Several participants outlined changes they might make as a result of strategies discussed on the day.
- Brainstorming in a larger group produced many more ideas.