It was ironic that the workshops are focussed on drought preparation when the region has had two consecutive wet seasons, however now is a really great time to start thinking about the future, as farmers are in a positive frame of mind and have cash reserves to start implementing some long term strategies.
Burramine farmers reflected on lessons learned from the last drought, such as the importance of communication within the family, with your banker and looking after yourself.
While it was important to focus on your own business, talking to other farmers was helpful, to realise that you are not on your own.
Community gatherings, such as the Burramine Christmas party were great for bringing people to together during a drought.
Staying connected, keeping the communication lines open and keeping physically and mentally fit were some of the strategies that farmers could implement now to start preparing for future droughts.
Other strategies that were discussed were grain storage, fodder reserves for livestock, cash reserves and looking for opportunities such as carting hay, feeding lambs and carting livestock.
Thanks to Peter and Carol Lawless for organising the event and for contributions from Farmanco, Belmores and AgBiz Assist.
To find out more about the workshops,
contact Kate Coffey on kate@riverineplains.org.au.
