Life-changing program for young farmers and fishers

19 Aug 2019

Young farmers and fishers across NSW have been invited to apply for a “life-changing” business coaching program run by the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Young Farmer Business Program YFBP.

YFBP Senior Projects Officer, Alexandra Hicks said it was amazing to see the impact of the “life-changing” program on participants last year.

“The power of a coach to generate positive change in business is truly profound. We’re really excited that we are able to make this opportunity available again,” she said.

The individual coaching program gives participants the chance to learn from an accredited business coach, who will provide 12 months of 1-on-1 business support, advice and motivation.

Participants receive weekly calls and attend five face-to-face meetings with business coach Chris Morrison, sharing monthly video blogs via the YFBP’s social media channels to facilitate peer to peer learning opportunities.

Young farmers Jarrod and Emma Amery credit their experience in last year’s program with changing their business. “Business coaching has really made our business into the future a lot more profitable, and it's given us a lot more direction,” Mr Amery said.

Manning Valley dairy farmer Sophie Cooke said the program had helped her and husband Adam manage their business through the drought. “We’re working on our business a lot more than we were. The program has helped us increase our production, it’s kept us motivated and kept us in the industry really,” she said.

Fisherman Danny Green said the program had fast-tracked the development of the commercial fishing business he and fiancée Melissah Barrett run in Coffs Harbour. “We’ve learnt 4 to 5 years worth of knowledge in 12 months,” he said.

Anyone aged between 18 and 35 operating a farm, commercial fisheries or aquaculture business where they identify with primary production and are growing or producing food and fibre can apply online at http://bit.ly/IndividualCoaching2019 until 8 September 2019.

For information contact Tim Flynn on 0447 655 163 or email young.farmer@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: (02) 6391 3686