Resilient farming forum to be held in Boorowa

Boorowa Community Landcare Group (BCLG) and Hovells Creek Landcare Group (HCLG) will be holding the ‘Resilient Farming Communities Planning for Climate Uncertainty’ forum on Friday the 16th of August.

The forum is made possible through funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). It is relevant to everyone in the community with an interest in the rural environment seeking an update on the state of climate change and how it affects everyone. Speaker Mark Gardner says, “Whilst it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day, we need to maintain a focus on the big picture and long-term context.”

Emcee for the day will be Managing Director of Flemings Property Services in Boorowa, Harden and Cootamundra and local community identity Justin Fleming.

Speakers for the day include:

John Harper, a farmer and mental health advocate, founder of Mate helping Mate, who has been actively promoting awareness of mental health wellbeing in times of stress and anxiety. He will highlight its importance particularly during drought.

Mark Gardner and Dr Jacki Schirmer, co-authors of the National Environmental Science Program (NESP) report will present the financial, ecological and wellbeing benefits of improved biodiversity on farms.

Warwick Badgery from the NSW Department of Primary Industries will outline a project established to assess different trigger points, seasonal climate forecasts and strategies for prioritising limited feed availability to meet profit and environment targets. A series of producer group consultations have been completed across the state to determine how successful producers are making decisions.

Matt Lieschke will update on Local Land Services work in this area, related to the project and the current season.

Toneya McIntosh will discuss behaviour and how to support each other through practice change using examples of her work with the Queensland sugarcane industry.

Questions and discussion will take place after each speaker as well as in a final session. Local regenerative farmers Charlie Arnott and David Marsh and Boorowa Landcare’s Re-Gen Grazing Group facilitator Scott Hickman will join in the final discussion session to offer practical ways to help bring ideas into action.

There will also be displays by community and industry groups with resources that can help to support and facilitate change.

The forum will take place at the Boorowa Ex-Services Club on Friday the 16th of August between 8.30am and 4.30pm.

Tickets are $20 to cover expenses and are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/resilient-farming-communities-planning-for-climate-uncertainty-tickets-64771792174

Ticket includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. RSVP with any dietary requirements by Monday, 12th of August.

For more details about this forum, contact Linda Cavanagh, Coordinator Boorowa Community Landcare Group on 0459 681 018 or landcare@boorowa.net

• Topics:

• Agriculture
• Events
• Workshops