Grazing for Growth in the Upper Lachlan
Landholders sharing knowledge and support around managing their grazing production systems.
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The issue
Working in a relatively isolated environment can sometimes restrict the opportunity for landholders to come together and share ideas and knowledge. Landholders without a support network, after training are more likely to revert to back to familiar ways of operating rather than continuing to experiment and implement new techniques. Isolation can also lead to feeling overwhelmed and alone when difficulties arise.
The solution
By creating an opportunity for landholders to come together in a relaxed setting, common issues can be discussed and the local knowledge base can be shared. Upper Lachlan Landcare, together with Scott Hickman, facilitated several opportunities for landholders to come together over 2016. The atmosphere created when discussing common circumstances is open and positive. All systems of operation are discussed and considered.
The impact
While it's early days, Grazing for Growth in the Upper Lachlan has facilitated 4 events in 2016. Events have ranged from paddock walks, round table meetings to detailing individual landholder operations. New ideas have been presented, knowledge shared, connections created and plenty of laughs had. We have momentum for 2017 and look forward to hosting more open discussions.
Learnings
Grazing for Growth meetings in the Upper Lachlan work well when the atmosphere of the meeting is relaxed and open. It has has been important to have the support of Scott Hickman in the establishment stage, developing a network of landholders interested in coming together. Keeping the format of the meetings flexible and relatively unstructured allows for good conversation flow and topical issues to surface.
Key facts
- The simple act of people coming together can significantly improve an individuals positive outlook.
- Many heads thinking on a solution or innovation are generally better than one.