Grain growers across Queensland and New South Wales have traditionally headed to town this time of year to hear the latest information on everything from budgeting and investment planning to labour tips with the goal of improving on-farm profitability.

But this month, in a forced change as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, the annual Grains Research and Development (GRDC) Farm Business Updates have moved from planned venues to the homes and offices of growers and advisers.

The GRDC will beam the Updates on to screens next week (June 22-26) ensuring people have access to expert advice and insights to help make critical farm business decisions.

GRDC Grower Relations Manager – North, Susan McDonnell, said while the online format was a departure from the norm, the latest advice and recommendations to help inform business decision making remained firmly on the agenda.

“The program has been developed in consultation with growers and other industry stakeholders to ensure the content is relevant and practical, particularly for this season,” she said.

The five topics on offer online are:

• Monday, June 22: Economic outlook for agriculture and global supply chains with John Crosbie (Deloitte Access Economics). Impact of COVID-19 on agri-food industries, the domestic issues and impacts.
• Tuesday, June 23: Managing farm business exposure to grain markets and tactics to reduce risk with Josh Gordon, (NSW Department of Primary Industries). The 2020 harvest outlook, market conditions for grain, barley tariffs, strategies for managing risk and future opportunities.
• Wednesday, June 24: Management under the microscope – budgeting, interest rates, investment planning, how to leverage existing resources with Chris Minehan (Rural Management Strategies) and Simon Fritsch (Agripath). Budgets and cashflow tactics, meeting working capital requirements, interest rate sensitivity and other topics.
• Thursday June 25: The farm workforce – work, health and safety to protect you and your employees with Rebecca Fing (House Paddock Training and Consulting). Grains industry focus on workplace health and safety – what you need to know and do to create a safe work culture.
• Friday June 26: Resetting your mindset – taking yourself from survival to business as usual and forward planning with Clara McCormack.

To register for these free online sessions click on the above links or go to https://grdc.com.au/events/list?region=north. For more information contact Jane Foster on 0438 416 176 or via email jane.foster@orm.com.au.

Contact Details

Contact

Toni Somes, GRDC
0436 622 645
Toni.somes@grdc.com.au