IGNITING Resilience, hosted by Birchip Cropping Group at Swan Hill’s Lower Mallee Inn, more than lived up to its name.
Young farmers and agribusiness professionals heard from guest speakers including The Unbreakable Farmer, Warren Davies, and farmers Simone Murdoch (Swan Hill), Jarrod Kemp (Nullawil) and Will Simpson (Berriwillock).
All shared how they navigated the challenges of life in general and farming in particular.
Birchip young farmer and BCG member Alex Noonan said Mr Davies’ message was relevant and timely for young farmers yet to experience a drought.
“The story Warren told of how the Millennium drought crippled his farm and his mental health resonated throughout the room,” Mr Noonan said.
“You could feel the pain it had caused him but also the strength it built within him to come out the other side with the help of the strategies and support networks he outlined.
“Such a relatable experience, delivered with strategies anyone can implement, gave me the confidence and knowledge to continue to build my support networks and resilience to face the next inevitable drought.”
Mr Noonan enjoyed catching up with people he met at last year’s Climate Courage, the first BCG Young Farmer Networking event, as well as making new connections at this one.
“These events provide a great opportunity to network. I’ll be encouraging more of my friends to come to these events as they are a lot of fun and bring people together who perhaps otherwise wouldn’t cross paths.”
Mikayla Zanker of the Murray Mallee LLEN also attended and for her the highlight was the farmer panel, in particular Ms Murdoch.
“It was great to see a female represented on the farmer panel,” she said.
“I gained great insight not only into what challenges she faced working in what can sometimes feel like a male dominated industry but also how she is making great strides on her farm.”
“It was empowering to hear Simone and her husband, Alistair, ensure they are placing focus on the health and wellbeing of their family and employees.”
