Page 16 - DAF 254 Peer 2 Peer Case Studies

IN THE NEWS
COVID-19 brings fresh focus for young farmers
COVID-19 restriction closed the door on activities planned by the Proserpine Young Farmer group however it has opened up new opportunities for a fresh focus.
The peer-to-peer group was formed 12 months ago to provides an opportunity for under 40s involved and interested in agriculture to come together to share, learn and connect. The group is being supported with funding from the Enhanced Extension Coordination in GBR project.
Before COVID-19 restrictions hit, planned activities included a fallow management tour around Mackay and supporting members to attend the Next Gen Conference in Bundaberg.
When these were cancelled, the group discussed what other options there were to utilise the funding that was allocated to these activities that could benefit the group and still meet the project objectives.
Regional Extension Coordinator Phillip Trendell said the group had previously taken
part in a Burdekin irrigation bus tour in November 2019.
``From this tour, attendee’s eyes were opened to the range of technology and innovation occurring in the industry especially in relation to irrigation management and so saw the COVID-19 impact as an opportunity for them to focus on this instead.’’
The group purchased a portable flow meter (Series DMTFP Portable Transit Time Ultrasonic Flow Meter) to allow members to improve their knowledge of irrigation on their own farms and to better utilise irrigation to improve productivity and water quality outcomes.
``Industry experts will work with Proserpine Young Farmer group to educate members on how to use the flow meter and how to make informed irrigation management decisions with the information gained.’’
The Proserpine Young Farmer group will be holding their AGM next month where they will evaluate their progress in the first 12 months and plan activities for the year ahead.