Farmers across the New England and North West are being encouraged to access tailored business coaching aimed at strengthening their operations and preparing for drought and other financial pressures.
Expressions of interest are now open for a new round of the NSW Farm Business Resilience Program Coaching Program, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
The program matches farmers with an experienced coach or specialist adviser suited to their industry and region, with support delivered one-on-one or in small groups.
Coaches help farmers turn their farm business plans into practical actions, with a focus on improving financial performance, managing risk and preparing for, responding to and recovering from drought.
The program forms part of a $43.2 million investment in farm business resilience across NSW, providing workshops, practical tools, coaching and peer networks.
Farmers can also access resources covering cash flow, budgeting, drought preparedness and farm business planning, along with mental health support through the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.
Since launching in 2021, the NSW Farm Business Resilience Program has supported the development of more than 2,600 farm business plans and attracted more than 30,000 participants across 5,300 coaching sessions and events.
About 1,800 NSW farm businesses have participated in activities including business coaching, farm assessments, peer learning groups, farm visits, succession planning, risk management and Bank Ready workshops.
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the program would help farmers manage increasing climatic and business pressures.
“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.
“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.”
Gunnedah sheep grazier Gus Greenway said tailored coaching had helped strengthen his fine wool Merino business.
“Our fine wool Merino business has greatly benefited from the tailored coaching we received through the Farm Business Resilience Program.
“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.”
Expressions of interest in the coaching program are now open.
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