Better Services to Farmers Case Study: FarmPlan21: Awareness and education

“Farm planning helped get all the ideas for the farm out of our heads and onto paper… then the action happens.” Doug Streeter (farmer)

DPI collaborated with catchment management authorities and education institutions, Longerenong College (Workco Ltd) and Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE to design and deliver introductory level one courses to farmers.

Operating in the Wimmera and North Central Regions of Victoria, the Pilot FarmPlan21 program provides information on the latest technologies and practices to help farmers make the right decisions for their properties and futures.

Farmers involved find the ideas they are exposed to are practical and actionable. The training also provides them with a nationally accredited course and one which supports further agricultural and land management qualifications.

The program is successful because it brings together groups with similar goals that work together to provide a seamless service to farmers.

There’s no standing still, as the partnership continues to identify and plan more training opportunities in agriculture and natural resource management that meet the needs of farmers.

Partnerships DPI, Department of Sustainability and Environment, catchment management authorities, Longerenong College (Workco Ltd) and Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE.