Bootcamp for young farmers

Agriculture Victoria is encouraging young farmers from across Gippsland to participate in a business bootcamp to be held in Bairnsdale in November.

The event is suited to young farm business managers and owners seeking to forge a successful career in the beef, sheep and dairy industries.

The event will bring a group of young farmers together to share information and experiences, and develop skills to manage a farm business for the short and longerterms.

The course is free and will be tailored to the drought conditions being experienced across East and Central Gippsland.

It will be delivered over two days – November 12 and November 19 - starting at 9.30am and finishing at 3pm each day at the Bairnsdale Sporting and Convention Centre. Lunch will be provided.

Paul Blackshaw from Meridian Agriculture, a statewide agricultural consultancy business, will co-deliver the event with Agriculture Victoria.

Participants who attend the course can expect to improve their understanding of profit and loss and cash flow budgeting, balance sheets and gross margins, planning for and managing risks and financial planning and analysis.

East Gippsland livestock farmer Jen Smith has been a key driver in establishing this bootcamp course in the region.

“Participating in similar programs has helped our business. I’m enthusiastic about seeing one of these happen,” Ms Smith said.

“These workshops provide a great opportunity for every farm business to learn something that is directly applicable for their financial management.”

Agriculture Victoria director Dougal Purcell said the bootcamps are an important part of the support the department provides to farm managers.

“We are delivering these events to support young farm owners and managers tackle the current conditions and think ahead to the longer-term direction of their businesses.

“The target audience of young farmers is very broad, roughly described as people up to around 45 years of age,” he said.

Further Young Farmer Bootcamps will be delivered in the approaching months across areas affected by dry seasonal and drought conditions as a part of the state government’s $5 million drought support package announced in September.

Participants can register on Eventbrite: https://bairnsdalebootcamp2018.eventbrite. com.au

If you are unable to register online or would like further information, contact Caroline Love (5152 0603).