TWO SA grain growers have officially graduated from the Australian Grain Farm Leaders Program.
Tim Paschke, Waikerie, and Simon Martin, Karoonda, were among nine young grain growers who graduated from 2016 program at special dinner in Albury, NSW last night.
The AGFLP Program, an initiative of GrainGrowers, provides young farmers the chance to develop their leadership skills and knowledge and to pursue an on-farm project of their choice.
The program, which has run for seven years, saw participants come from Qld, Vic, Tas, SA and WA.
As part of his project, Tim has become an advocate for social and mental wellbeing in farming and rural communities.
Mr Paschke has taken up opportunities to promote the importance of farmers asking for help during difficult times and raised awareness and support for others by encouraging them to reach out and ask for support via local and national 24 hour support services.
He has also spoken at a number of farming and community based meetings and is keen to continue to advocate for mental wellbeing in the bush.
Mr Martin has worked up scenarios about separating sheep and livestock and grain production on his mixed enterprise taking account of soil types, weather and historical data. This resulted in key decisions about where and when sheep, livestock and cropping occurs while achieving maximum profit margins.
GrainGrowers Manager of industry development Michael Southan said the program was as much about connecting like-minded individuals as it was about project development.
“The group meets face-to-face several times during the year, including at GrainGrowers Innovation Generation conference for farmers under 35s,” he said.
“Throughout the year, the group gets to know each other and it’s satisfying to see those sharing ideas and experiences and connecting outside the official requirements of the program."
Mr Southan said the program was a part of the organisation’s objective to build capability across the grains industry.
“GrainGrowers is committed to growing and supporting the future of grain farm leaders in the Australian grains industry,” he said.
“Our investment in this program not only contributes to the personal and professional development of young farmers and emerging leaders, the benefits extend to their enterprise, their community and to our industry as a whole."
He said the program continuously acted as stepping-stone for further development and leadership opportunities.
“Past graduates have gone on to, for example, hold roles on the GRDC Grower Panels, executive positions on state farming organisations as well as to contribute to GrainGrowers National Policy Group,” Mr Southan said.
Applications are open for the 2017 program.
- DETAILS: graingrowers.com.au/events-courses/courses/australian-future-grain-leaders-program