THE New South Wales and Federal governments have teamed up to offer the latest round of farm business resilience training.
Part of the Farm Business Resilience Program, or FBRP, the sessions are aimed at providing “personalised business coaching”.
“The NSW Government understands the challenges our farmers are facing, with climate change driving more frequent, severe and prolonged droughts and an increase in business pressures, including the current fuel and fertiliser disruption,” said State Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty.
“Farmers are the backbone of the NSW economy, and this coaching program is designed to equip them with the practical skills, confidence and tools they need to manage risk, make informed decisions, and build long-term economic, environmental and social resilience.
“By connecting farmers with practical learning opportunities and the latest research and extension services, we’re strengthening farm businesses and regional communities across NSW.”
Taking place via the internet in October, the sessions titled Growing Success: Farm Business Planning Essentials Online, are part of $43.2 million statewide spend “focused on strengthening whole-of-business capability, with practical workshops, tools, coaching and peer networks helping farmers to strengthen decision-making, business planning, risk management and wellbeing across the drought cycle.”
The sessions offer coaching or specialist advisors “matched” to the farm sector the producer operates in, with the expert then working one-on-one or in small groups of farmers.
Gunnedah sheep grazier Gus Greenway said he’s found the program useful.
“Our fine wool Merino business has greatly benefited from the tailored coaching we received through the Farm Business Resilience Program,” he said.
“The personalised business coaching gave us the confidence to make changes to our pasture and feed practices which have improved animal weight gain and wool quality.
“This has placed our property and business in a stronger financial and operational position against unpredictable market and climatic conditions.”
Application to take part is via expression of interest and for more information head to nsw.gov.au/fbrp.