An investment in South Australia’s future farming leaders is delivering strong results, with more than 140 people having the opportunity to learn practical drought-management solutions directly from experienced growers and advisers.
The Early to Mid-Career Farmer Program is a South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SA Drought Hub) project that now includes nine groups across SA, each delivering tailored activities to build skills. The SA Drought Hub is funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, and is led by Adelaide University in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia.
SA Drought Hub Knowledge Broker Tony Randall said each group is driven and coordinated by a local facilitator with expertise in different areas of farm management.
“The Early to Mid-Career Farmer Program is investing in the next generation of South Australian agriculture by supporting regionally led groups that build confidence, leadership and practical decision-making skills,” he said.
“Delivered through local farming organisations, the program connects emerging farmers with peers, industry experts and experienced facilitators to strengthen drought resilience, business capability and long-term succession across a diverse range of farming systems.”
Early to mid-career farmers are often taking on greater responsibility within family businesses while navigating increasingly complex production and seasonal challenges.
This statewide program supports that transition by delivering locally designed professional development opportunities that reflect the priorities of each participating region.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, each regional group works with participants to identify the topics most relevant to production systems spanning cropping, livestock and mixed farming.
Activities include workshops, field days, study tours, mentoring, peer-to-peer learning and practical discussions led by local facilitators and industry specialists.
Groups are now located on the Far West Coast, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Upper North, Adelaide Plains, Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Southern Mallee, Upper South East and Limestone Coast regions. They are coordinated by Ag Innovation and Research Eyre Peninsula, Upper North Farming Systems, Owen Agricultural Bureau, Fleurieu Farming Systems, Agriculture Kangaroo Island, Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan and MacKillop Farm Management Group.
“What we are hearing most from the program participants is how much they are enjoying the opportunity to connect with other young farmers from their area who they might not normally spend time with or have the opportunity to talk farming with,” Mr Randall said.
“By connecting farmers to learn from one another, they are recognising that the foundations of drought resilience are often laid during the good seasons, and that having strong networks is one of the most effective resources to help prepare for future challenges.”
Brougham Ag Consulting’s Michael Brougham, who facilitates the Adelaide Plains group, said participants were most engaged when discussions focused on the issues directly relevant to their farming systems and seasonal conditions.
“The networks have created a trusted source of advice and support that farmers can draw on before, during and after drought events, demonstrating that resilience is built through shared experience,” he said.
“One of the strongest messages from the group was the importance of local relevance. Farmers were eager to tackle real business challenges, from improving return on investment and understanding production costs to assessing new equipment and agtech.
“Taking participants out into fields to meet and learn from local producers helped them gain the confidence to contribute to discussions, challenge existing practices and lead change within their own farming business.
“It has connected farmers with each other in a way that can’t be replicated through typical extension activities.”
About SA Drought Hub
The South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is one of eight Hubs established across Australia through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Led by Adelaide University in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA), the SA Drought Hub brings together a dynamic network of primary producers, industry groups, researchers, government agencies, universities, agribusinesses, traditional owners and others to work towards a common vision to strengthen the drought resilience and preparedness of farms and regional communities in South Australia.
For media interviews contact:
Rachel Harding
M: 0400 848 066
