January 8th, 2023This farm needs a farmer: Big chance for tree change aspirants

Small farmers new to farming, or those just starting out farming, can now have access to a supportive year-long program designed to help get the best results from their land.

The ‘Regenerator’ farm management program includes four consulting sessions with specialist farm advisors, social events, monthly workshops with like-minded farmers and specialists, and field trips to working farms to meet people that have already established successful farms in the region

Winner of the 2018 Victorian Rural Women’s Award Melissa Connors:

“As the AgriFutures Victorian 2018 Rural Woman of the Year, I have teamed up with Cultivate Farms to design a series of events, connections, farm consulting services and practical advice to help new famers avoid costly mistakes and enjoy your farming experience.
“The ‘Regenerator’ farm management program includes four consulting sessions with specialist farm advisors, social events, monthly workshops with like-minded farmers and specialists, and field trips to working farms to meet people that have already established successful farms in the region.
“By the end of the year, you will have written a farm plan that is specific to your own farm vision. The farm plan will ensure that your slice of land is giving you the satisfaction you dreamt of.
“I learnt through my own experience how costly mistakes can be when starting out on a larger property. “I was so excited about living on acreage, but I didn’t really know what I was in for. I thought it would just be a ‘bigger’ suburban block, but there’s so much more to it than that.”
“At the end of the series, you will understand the detail of your property and have made strong connections in your community with those that can support your successful farm lifestyle.
“Whether you have 5 acres, or 500, there will be something in this program that everyone can learn from. Plus the supportive environment will help you make friends and connections with others in your local community with similar experiences.
“Cultivate Farms works to connect good people with good farms to produce good food in Australia. Their network of farm advisors, with a focus on regenerative farming and good soil health, walks new farmers through a series of steps to help them identify their goals for their farm and lifestyle.
“Over the course of the ‘Regenerator’ program, you will learn how to write your own farm plan, put together a financial business plan for your farm, minimise risks, and ensure that your farm is sustainable in the long term.”