Australian farmers are known for their optimism, strength and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Unfortunately, scarce land availability, paired with other uncertainties such as weather, debt, erratic commodities markets and crop yields are driving young people away from the land.
A 2014 study funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation found that the number of farmers aged under 35 years had fallen by 75 per cent since 1976.
However, president of the New South Wales (NSW) Young Farmers Council, Tim Carroll, sees this period of change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
“Now should be the time young Aussie growers take the reins of farms across the country as they have enthusiasm and fresh perspectives,” Tim said.
“It is certainly difficult, hard work, I won’t deny that. But it’s also a passion you don’t find in other jobs.
“Food production is a promising business to be in and young farmers are the key to the future success of Australia.
“They should feel very positive about their situation – there’s more opportunity out there now to educate yourself and feel great about what you do, and to show you can turn things around.
“The drought’s opened up a huge amount of opportunity for me, and I think it will open up a lot more opportunity for young farmers moving forward.”
To help growers leverage opportunities in times of uncertainty, Tim believes in taking a strategic approach.
Further education, up-skilling, applying for grants and funding and seeking out support groups are crucial.
In 2015, the NSW Young Farmer Council launched the Young Farmer Business Program, a four-year initiative funded by the NSW Government.
Designed for young farmers hoping to enter into or expand their existing businesses, the program helps them improve their business skills and connect with other young primary producers and business professionals.
“I’ve found the younger generation are more open to listening,” Tim said.
“They’re more than happy to ask experts and older generations for their advice.
“Many young growers know about practical farming but lack business management knowledge which is what this program addresses.”
The programs teach young farmers to better manage risk, create and execute business plans more effectively and make decisions confidently, enhancing both their business and personal resilience.
Up-skilling is another strategy many growers around the country have employed to diversify during times of uncertainty.
Young grower Joey Fleming from Walgett in NSW re-trained in metalwork and fabrication and now runs an engineering business in conjunction with the mixed family farming enterprise that has been in the family for generations.
Joey has been commissioned by other growers and friends to engineer farming equipment such as feedlots and in a recent ABC interview he said his business was a good way to keep him busy and ensure a steady flow of income, uplifting his spirits during the drought.
Grants, subsidies, scholarships and other forms of financial assistance can also make growers more resilient.
A range of organisations, both national and state based, can provide funding to young farmers, including the Rural Assistance Authority, Regional Development Australia, the Regional Investment Corporation, Local Land Services and Austrade.
In a bid to help young growers overcome any financial barriers to owning their own farm, Young Farmer Business Program member Sam Marwood has created Cultivate Farms, a social enterprise that matches the next generation of aspiring farmers with retiring farmers and investors, to own and operate a farm together.
“Cultivate Farms is an incubator program,” Tim said.
“Sam sets up meetings between investors and young farmers, it helps them pitch their ideas, and then if the idea is right, facilitates investment in farms.
“He’s going beyond the trend – proving that you don’t have to own the land, to be a successful farmer,” Tim said.
“The NSW Young Farmer Council has opened six branches, with a mission to look after young farmers in the state.
“Our role is to create support networks for mentoring and encouragement.
“We’re running innovative activities all the time. Anybody that wants to have a beer, attend a meet and greet, go on a field trip or study tour is always welcome,” Tim said.
For more information visit nswfarmers.org.au/youngfarmers