Farmers around Glen Innes will have the chance to get practical advice on everything from succession planning to mental health at GLENRAC’s Fit Farmer event this month.
The free event will be held at the Glen Innes Showgrounds Tearooms from 10am to 1pm on Thursday, 10 September, bringing together speakers covering farm succession and retirement, pest animal disease surveillance, farm business planning, mental fitness and aged care, along with a new pasture forecasting tool coming to the region.
Paul Hyson from Services Australia will speak on rural issues and succession planning, helping farming families understand the practical considerations that can arise when thinking about retirement and the future ownership of the farm.
GLENRAC CEO Kylie Falconer said succession planning was an issue many farming families knew they needed to consider.
“Succession planning is an issue many farming families knew they need to consider but could find it difficult to know where to begin, and understanding some of the rules and options early can be valuable,” Ms Falconer said.
GLENRAC Project Manager Eliza James said the event was an ideal opportunity to introduce a new decision-making tool to local producers.
“We are excited to bring Farming Forecaster to the Glen Innes region,” Ms James said.
“The Fit Farmer event is an ideal opportunity to introduce this decision-making tool to our local producers. Farming Forecaster combines local weather, soil moisture and pasture data, which, when analysed, helps livestock producers to make informed decisions around stocking and supplementary feeding.”
Lee Parker from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will give an update on the Pest Animal Disease Surveillance Project, including efforts to control pig and deer populations. Attendees will also hear about the NSW Farm Business Resilience Program, including the business-planning tools, training and coaching on offer to help producers prepare for drought, climate variability and other risks.
Since Fit Farmer always coincides with national R U OK? Day, the event also turns its attention to the people who look after the farms. Andrew Daley from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program will talk about practical ways to stay well when pressures build, recognise the signs in themselves or others, and know when and where to seek support.
Megan Bachali, an Aged Care Specialist Officer with Services Australia, will round out the morning with advice for people beginning to think about their own future needs, or those of a parent, relative or other loved one navigating aged care.
Local service providers will also be on hand during the morning, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and make connections. The event is free and lunch will be provided, but bookings are essential by Tuesday, 8 September, on 02 6732 3443 or karen.bavea@glenrac.org.au
GLENRAC Project Manager Karen Bavea said the event’s focus extended to farmers’ own wellbeing, not just the health of their businesses.
“We spend a lot of time thinking about keeping ourselves physically fit enough to do the job, but being mentally fit for the long haul matters too,” Ms Bavea said.
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