NSW Farmers Association tackling the big issues in 2017
NSW Farmers president Derek Schoen will be joining policy and regional staff at the field days.
"Growing our Future'' is the theme for the NSW Farmers Association site at the 2017 Henty Machinery Field Days.
The positive theme comes on the back of a $6 million funding announcement for the Young Farmer Business Project in the State Government's June budget.
The project – a joint initiative between NSW Farmers Association and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) – has been a key focus for the Association over the past 12 months.
The funding boost was a big win for the state's largest lobby group.
NSW Farmers has helped roll out many Bank Ready workshops across the state in the past year as part of the project.
Hundreds of young farmers attended the workshops, which focused on educating young people in the industry on how to approach a bank or put steps in place now to allow them to purchase their own farm in the future.
NSW Farmers president Derek Schoen will be joining policy and regional staff at the field days to talk to farmers of all ages about the impact the program will have on the industry over the next four years.
"The Young Farmer membership is the fastest growing category in the Association,'' Mr Schoen said.
"For this reason, plus the enthusiasm by the younger demographic and a positive future for agriculture, we would like to continue to have conservations at events such as Henty to make sure we are encouraging the next generation to enter, or stay in, the farming industry.''
Mr Schoen said NSW Farmers had tackled some big issues in 2017, including the implementation of the new biodiversity legislation, electricity prices, water management, changes to Livestock Producers Assurance accreditation and local planning issues.
"There is always plenty to talk about when it comes to protecting and promoting local food and fibre production,'' he said.
NSW Farmers have been busy again this year representing the interests of farmers.
The land management and biodiversity conservation reforms are prime example, with farmers and NSW Farmers staff staunchly standing for improved outcomes for agriculture and the environment.
Mr Schoen will address the public from The Stump at 1.30pm on Wednesday, September 20.