Business coaching kick starts young farmers and fishers

16 Mar 2018

Three farming and fishing businesses run by young producers will start 12 months tailored coaching under the NSW Department of Primary Industries Young Farmer Business Program.

NSW DPI Acting Manager Business Resilience Program Pip Job said the pilot program would make a huge difference for the young, passionate agriculture and aquaculture producers.

“The Young Farmer Business Program is committed to promote and create opportunities for young farmers and fishers to expand their business aspirations,” Ms Job said.

“We understand the challenges young farmers and fishers face to improve their business skills.

“The 12 month Young Farmer Business Coaching program will provide personalised business coaching to help them to reach their goals.”

Participants Adam and Sophie Cooke leased a farm and began their dairy business in the Manning Valley four years ago milking 60 cows and have been increasing cow numbers progressively to the current herd of 130 head.

“Our biggest dream is to own our own farm,” Adam said.

“Yes we know the basics, but we know there is a lot more yet to learn. We want to become successful in what we do.”

Danny Green is a commercial fisherman based in Coffs Harbour. He supplies fresh fish to the local co-op and the Sydney Fish Market.

“I have always wanted to work for myself and always had a love for fishing and the ocean,” Danny said.

“I think the business coaching program will help me to become proactive rather than reactive and develop a clear vision on how to achieve my end goals.”

Jarrod and Emma Amery run a mixed farm near Forbes. They grow pastures, wheat, canola and run a sheep trading enterprise.

“I’m keen to learn and grow and to be able to keep expanding our business into the future,” Jarrod said.

“It takes a mentor or coach to point out the things that we are blind to - the ‘don’t knows’.”

Ms Job said these young farmers and fishers all have great passion and drive to improve their skills and knowledge to enhance their businesses for strong future growth.

Media contact: Anne Brook (02) 6763 1163 or 0477 358 305