Farmers in the Lismore region will have an opportunity to strengthen their financial decision-making and prepare for future business challenges at a workshop next week.
A Financial Decision Making workshop will be held in Lismore on Tuesday, September 29 as part of the NSW Farm Business Resilience Program.
The workshop is designed to help farmers develop their farm business plans and prepare to take part in a new round of personalised business coaching.
Under the coaching program, farmers are matched with an experienced coach or specialist adviser suited to their industry and region. Support is provided one-on-one or in small groups, helping farmers turn their business plans into practical actions.
The program aims to improve business performance, reduce financial risk and help farmers prepare for, manage and recover from drought.
Farmers can also access practical tools covering cash flow, budgeting, drought preparedness and farm business planning, as well as mental health support through the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.
The program forms part of a $43.2 million investment in farm business resilience across NSW.
Since launching in 2021, the NSW Farm Business Resilience Program has supported the development of more than 2,600 farm business plans and attracted more than 30,000 participants across 5,300 coaching sessions and events.
About 1,800 NSW farm businesses have also participated in activities including business coaching, farm assessments, peer learning groups, farm visits, succession planning, risk management and Bank Ready workshops.
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said farmers were facing increasing climatic and business pressures.
“The NSW Government understands the challenges our farmers are facing, with climate change driving more frequent, severe and prolonged droughts and an increase in business pressures, including the current fuel and fertiliser disruption.” said Moriarty.
“Farmers are the backbone of the NSW economy, and this coaching program is designed to equip them with the practical skills, confidence and tools they need to manage risk, make informed decisions, and build long-term economic, environmental and social resilience.
“By connecting farmers with practical learning opportunities and the latest research and extension services, we’re strengthening farm businesses and regional communities across NSW.”
Gunnedah sheep grazier Gus Greenway said his business had benefited from tailored coaching through the program.
“Our fine wool Merino business has greatly benefited from the tailored coaching we received through the Farm Business Resilience Program.
“The personalised business coaching gave us the confidence to make changes to our pasture and feed practices which have improved animal weight gain and wool quality.
“This has placed our property and business in a stronger financial and operational position against unpredictable market and climatic conditions.”
The Lismore Financial Decision Making workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 29.
Expressions of interest are also open for the Farm Business Resilience Program’s personalised coaching program.
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