New England farmers who together manage more than 20,000 hectares are opening their group to new members, after a first year participants say delivered real value, both from expert speakers and from each other.
The Glen Innes Natural Resources Advisory Committee (GLENRAC) is building on the success of its pilot New England Producer Group, with membership for the next round now open.
The first session of the 2026-27 program will be held on Wednesday, 21 October, just east of Guyra.
Keynote speaker Richard Braham, of Jeogla at Ebor, will present on enterprise growth, scaling farm businesses, and insights from current Jeogla projects.
The group brings together forward-thinking producers from across the region. Participants have praised both the quality of the speakers and the value of learning from their peers.
“The diversity of participants is one of the program’s greatest strengths, where the mix of enterprises, management styles, and geographical spread, creates incredibly valuable discussion and learning opportunities,” said GLENRAC Project Officer Eliza James.
The New England Producer Group is a paid membership program that meets every quarter and gives producers access to leading experts across a range of farming fields.
Each session includes a case study of one of the host farmer’s enterprises and finishes with dinner and drinks. That gives growers the chance to put more pointed questions to presenters and have more in-depth conversations with fellow farmers.
“Sometimes the gold – even though the speakers are great – is in the conversations at the end of the day over dinner,” one member said.
Over the past year, presenters have included Dr Fran Cowley of the University of New England on methane production and emerging opportunities, and Matt Foster of GrazAg in Armidale on soil testing and post-drought management.
Ross Gibson of Rumenworx Nutrition spoke on feeding strategies during dry periods, and AgTech specialists demonstrated innovations such as water nutrient dosing systems and virtual fencing.
Members represent a diverse cross-section of agriculture. Their enterprises include breeding and trading cattle, feedlots, merinos, goats, and forage crop production.
“It’s great value; it’s been very interesting seeing and hearing about other people’s operations,” another member said.
The program is designed to challenge thinking, introduce new ideas, and deliver practical outcomes that can translate directly into on-farm improvements.
Prospective members are invited to attend the first session before committing to the full program.
Membership costs $550, including GST, and covers all quarterly sessions. Events are free for members and $40 for non-members.
Current members may register for the event via https://bitl.to/62tU
For more information about the Producer Group, including how to join, contact Ms James at Eliza.James@glenrac.org.au.
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