Online farm business program helps manage risk

11 July 2023

Agriculture Victoria is offering farmers an opportunity to participate in a free online business program designed to help farm businesses better manage risk in the face of a variable climate, particularly drought.

The online program, commencing in late July, is suitable for livestock, grains, mixed farmers, horticulturalists and apiarists.

Project Leader Kit Duncan-Jones said participants will improve their skills and knowledge to better prepare for and manage risk, adapt to change and strengthen their farm businesses.

‘The course is designed to help farmers set and achieve their individual business goals and is relevant to those who are new to farming and young farmers, as well as more experienced farmers.’

An introductory session will be run at the end of July, followed by 5 sessions on key farm management topics, including:

• Identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals
• Financial management, budgeting and profitable decision making
• Managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety
• Climate risk and natural resource management
• Business planning.

As part of completing the course, participants will be offered a one-on-one session with an experienced farm management consultant to review their business plan.

Mr Duncan-Jones said participants will be supported by Agriculture Victoria staff and Jane Foster, a farm business consultant with ORM Pty Ltd.

‘Online delivery of the course allows farmers from anywhere in the state to participate, from the comfort of their own homes and without the added time commitment of travel.

‘If you’re a farmer who wants to better manage your business, strengthen your farm resilience to withstand future droughts and shocks, and set up your farm for success now and into the future – this is the program for you.’

To register your interest, please complete this short survey here.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Alsop on 0457 838 537 or email elizabeth.alsop@agriculture.vic.gov.au

The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.

Further information about the Program and the Future Drought Fund can also be found on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Media contact: Helen Vaughan

Phone: 0409 255 140