Future rural leaders benefit from LHPA program

The recently completed NextGen Farm Leadership program coordinated by the New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority has been declared a success by participants and organisers.

The program consisted of three fully funded workshops aimed at training and supporting 18 to 25 year old future rural leaders in livestock health issues and rural leadership.

Andrew Biddle, New England LHPA district vet, said the program was a positive experience for everyone involved and hoped it could be used as a building base for future programs.

"The participants came from a number of agricultural fields, including university students, land owners and managers, resource management and agribusiness.

"We were impressed with the participants’ willingness to develop their skills and learn from the excellent speakers and presenters," he said. 

The program was conducted over three two-day workshops. Workshop 1 focused on ‘The Individual’, workshop 2 ‘The Farm Gate’ and workshop 3 covered ‘Your Place in the Industry’.

"Feedback surveys indicated the participants’ level of understanding across all components of the program was significantly greater after completing the course," Mr Biddle said.

Aside from developing participants’ knowledge and skills, the program endeavoured to establish a network of young rural leaders to lead their communities in the future.

"Based on their performance at the workshops and their feedback, we are confident the group will go forward and make a greater contribution to their communities and the New England region," said Mr Biddle.

The project was supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under Australia’s Farming Future.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378