Support available for graziers wanting to improve profit and performance

Posted on October 7th, 2015

Your grazing business may have untapped potential. Fitzroy Basin Association Inc. (FBA) is looking for graziers seeking support to unlock it!
Support to the value of $35,000 per business is on offer for training and customised professional development opportunities focused around improving profitability and performance.
FBA’s chief executive officer Paul Birch said this new and innovative program is a great opportunity for graziers and is encouraging applications by 31 October 2015.
“Through the program, businesses will be benchmarked and graziers will be provided with information, customised training and support to improve their whole of business management,” Mr Birch said.
“By increasing graziers’ knowledge and skills the program will aim to improve productivity, profitability and have a positive impact on the environment.
“The program is coordinated by FBA, through funding from The Reef Trust and aims to improve local water quality,” he said.
The Reef Trust is being delivered by the Australian Government, in collaboration with the Queensland Government, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
FBA has partnered with NQ Dry Tropics to work with graziers across the Fitzroy and Burdekin regions over the next three years.
“Each region will work closely with 10 graziers to identify their needs for support, training and development.
“Through this process, areas for improvement will be identified and showcased at workshops and field days across the region, contributing to the knowledge of over 500 graziers,” he said.
Subsidised training and development opportunities and support will be offered and graziers will be encouraged to adopt new practices as a result.
Improving practices ultimately leads to better soil retention, reduced erosion and less sediment and nutrients reaching local waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.
FBA’s Water and Agriculture Manager Barbara McKechnie said applications are open to landholders relying on grazing as their main source of income that want to improve their practices, skills and knowledge and are looking for change.
“Participants must be willing to complete benchmarking tools and participate in training and development opportunities and ongoing surveys,” Mrs McKechnie said.
“FBA has engaged professionals to assist graziers with identifying where they align with their peers and how they can make improvements to their business.
“Sharing information and lessons learned with others at group events, field days and through case studies is also an important aspect of the program.
“Applicants not selected will still have the opportunity to take part in training and development opportunities across the region, so all graziers are encouraged to apply.
Applications close 31 October 2015 but graziers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
For more information about this exciting opportunity, including eligibility and requirements visit www.fba.org.au/tenders-and-funding or contact Barbara McKechnie on (07) 4999 2833.
Burdekin graziers can contact Linda Anderson at NQ Dry Tropics on (07) 4724 3544.