MLA invests in young people in agriculture
26 June 2015
MLA will increase its support for the Future Farmers Network (FFN) in 2015 to help deliver professional development opportunities to young people involved in the red meat and livestock sector.
MLA Managing Director Richard Norton says FFN plays a crucial role in supporting and empowering young farmers and other young professionals working in all areas of Australian agriculture.
“As part of our partnership, we’ll be working with FFN to support two key events - the Young Beef Producers Forum in the north, which has been incredibly successful; and building on the success of this event, a similar youth forum for red meat producers in southern Australia,” said Mr Norton.
“MLA is focussed on providing value back to levy payers, and investing in professional and skills development opportunities for young people working across the sector helps underpin the future success of the industry.
“We hope to see more than 200 young beef producers and others working across the supply chain engaged again this year at the Young Beef Producers Forum in Roma, Queensland in November.”
Early next year, FFN will host a similar forum in the south for young beef, lamb and goat producers, with speakers covering key research and development program outcomes specific to the region.
“We want to ensure young producers are well supported and have access to key contacts at MLA and tools to assist their business decision making.”
For the first time, MLA and FFN will also jointly hold a Careers Panel at the Young Beef Producers Forum in Roma, aimed at inspiring young people entering the agriculture sector.
“We’re excited about this new initiative as it will showcase the breadth of career opportunities in agriculture – from on-farm interests to finance, science, media and elsewhere.
“Nearly 40 per cent of MLA employees are 35 years and under, many are from rural backgrounds, and they work in a diverse range of roles from market analysts and communications staff to marketing officers and R&D managers,” said Mr Norton.
FFN Executive Officer Michael Burges says FFN is thrilled to have the support of MLA.
“FFN connects like-minded and passionate young people from across the agriculture sector, providing industry intelligence and access to industry leaders and people at the forefront of their respective fields.
“This partnership allows us to deliver the latest research and development findings and technologies to young professionals working in agribusiness,” said Mr Burgess.
More information
Watch a feature from SBS this week on why young farmers – including some of the MLA-funded Young Farming Champions – choose to live on the land.
Visit the Young Farming Champions website
Visit the Future Farmers Network website
