General News
19 March, 2025
Emerging farmers of the region unite
About 30 young farmers gathered for an informal barbecue in McKenzie Creek on Wednesday March 12 with a view to arranging regular get-togethers for the emerging farmers in the region and building the future of agriculture in Victoria.
The event was organised by farmer Neville McIntyre, who said he wanted to create a platform for the next generation of farmers to build on as they looked towards the future of agriculture.
"As individuals, we can't do much, but together we can," Mr McIntyre said.
"We need to take the future of farming to heart.
"If we lose our farms we lose far more because we lose jobs for farm hands, shearers and all number of jobs that farming creates."
Shearer Alexander Williams said he agreed with Mr McIntyre.
"It's important for the under-40s to network and build that support base," Mr Alexander said.
"I'm a shearer only because I met a sheep-mad woman.
"But farming is our future and we need to protect it."
Warracknabeal farmer Ross Johns has a long history in agriculture.
The Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association president is a former VFF Grains president, ABB Grain director and deputy chairman of the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
Mr Johns shared his story with the young farmers, describing himself as a "get-on-and-make-things-happen" type of person.
"I very much advocate for working together for the common benefit," he said.
"We sometimes compete over a block of land but generally we can work together in agriculture.
"I want to talk about why agriculture is so important in Australia; I think the government has forgotten that.
"Currently, there are 8.2 billion people on the earth and that number is forecast to reach 10 billion by 2050.
"Agriculture is 14 per cent of our export revenue, plus we feed our own country."
Quoting some statistics closer to home, Mr Johns spoke about Victoria's agricultural value.
"Victoria is just 1.5 per cent of Australia's land mass but we produce 25 per cent of Australian agricultural output," he said.
"Those stats show the importance of Victoria's arable land – the government has forgotten that."
Mr Ross shared a snapshot of his life story in agriculture, including a trip to Ukraine and an invitation to purchase a port, which he declined.
He encouraged the young farmers to get involved.
"We need tractor drivers and hard-working farmers driving our industry," he said.
Following Mr Johns, Ryan Millgate also encouraged the young farmers to unite and secure agriculture in the region.
Mr Milgate is invested in agricultural advocacy and is currently vice-chair of the VFF Grains group.
He runs a family-owned mixed farming enterprise in the Wimmera and Northern Grampians, focusing on wheat, barley, lentils, canola, vetch hay production and a self-replacing prime lamb operation.
When addressing the emerging farmers, he said he valued the network of people around him due to his involvement in industry roles.
"I know Ross would agree that within the agriculture community, you can travel anywhere, call in, have a meal and be offered a bed on your travels," he said.
"This network creates knowledge through shared information and valuable support.
"Don't think you have nothing to offer; everyone here tonight is gold.
"One can't change governments but a group can."
Mr Johns made a moving tribute to his friend, the late Mick Morcom, who died in a farming accident last year, and encouraged the young farmers to observe all safety measures to help reduce the number of lives lost on farms.
"Remember: every piece of equipment you use on your farm can kill you," he said.
In closing, Joel Pymers, whose family hosted the event at their farm, said he was working on a program to bring the young farmers together every month to begin building a network.
Australian Wool Network Horsham branch provided the barbecue.
