Young farmers build drought preparedness at BCG event

 

Young farmers from across north-west Victoria came together in Horsham at the Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) Young Farmers Network event to share practical strategies for farming in a changing climate.

The event brought early-career farmers together with industry experts and peers to explore climate challenges, risk management and on-farm decision-making. BCG, as the North-West Node lead of the Vic Hub, plays an important role in supporting farmers to build drought resilience across the region.

It highlights the importance of building capability, confidence and connection among the next generation of farmers as part of long-term drought resilience.

 

Building capability for a changing climate

 

The BCG Young Farmers Network event focused on equipping young farmers with practical knowledge and tools to navigate increasing climate variability.

The panel covered:

• seasonal variability and climate risk
• decision-making under uncertainty
• farm-business resilience
• adapting practices to changing conditions

Participants heard from experienced speakers and researchers, while also sharing their own on-ground experiences. This combination of technical insight and peer learning supports more informed decision-making at the farm level.

 

The value of peer networks

 

A key outcome of the event was strengthening connections between young farmers. Peer networks play an important role in:

• sharing local knowledge and lived experience
• building confidence in decision-making
• reducing isolation in challenging conditions
• supporting ongoing learning beyond formal programs

These connections help ensure knowledge continues to be applied on-farm and support ongoing drought preparedness.

 

Supporting the next generation through Vic Hub

 

The BCG Young Farmers Network demonstrates how the Vic Hub is supporting farmers to build drought preparedness and resilience.

By investing in initiatives that strengthen skills, knowledge and local networks, the Vic Hub helps ensure farmers are better prepared to manage climate risks now and into the future.

Supporting early-career farmers is a practical and long-term approach to strengthening the resilience of Victorian agriculture.

 

Looking ahead

 

Strong engagement at the event reflects a clear appetite among young farmers to take proactive steps in managing climate challenges. Ongoing collaboration between industry groups, researchers and programs such as the Vic Hub will be important to maintain this momentum and support continued capability development.

 

This article is adapted from content originally published by Birchip Cropping Group (BCG):

https://www.bcg.org.au/young-farmers-unite-to-build-preparedness-for-a-changing-climate-at-bcg-ball/