Page 9 - DAF 254 Peer 2 Peer Case Studies

IN THE NEWS
Peer groups empowers young growers
Peer-to-peer network groups play an integral role in the adoption of new practices and innovations. People we personally know and trust who have successfully adopted the practice change or innovation themselves, can give us the credible reassurance we need.
To harness the enthusiasm of the next generation of sugarcane farmers, two peer-to-peer network groups have been formed in the Babinda and Gordonvale areas.
The goal of these groups is to create a positive learning environment for young growers to learn/discuss farming practice changes that will empower them to challenge some of the traditional practices used on the farm.
The project is funded by the Enhanced Extension and Coordination in GBR project and is being delivered in partnership with Terrain NRM and Canegrowers Cairns.
Facilitator Joel Tierney from Canegrowers in Cairns said so far, 10 farmers from the Babinda region and seven from the Mulgrave region, with ages ranging from 24 to 40, had joined.
The groups recently held their second meetings at properties in Babinda and Gordonvale.
Here they spoke with growers who had taken advantage of the two row direct bean planter, also funded by the Enhanced Extension and Coordination in GBR project, available for hire from Canegrowers and were trialling legume crops.
``This change in practice helps growers reduce erosion of their valuable top soil and assist sediment and nutrient loads entering local streams and the Barrier Reef Lagoon ecosystems.’’
Joel said planning was underway for more meetings throughout year including educational sessions and visits to plant breeding facilities and mills.
The group is also planning a bus trip before the 2020 season starts to look at a different regions and differing farming practices used by younger growers who have taken over the family farming unit.