Darling Downs Young Farmers

This innovative project focused on the younger generation of dairy farmers, in particular those who are likely to remain farming for the next 10-20 years. It provided learning opportunities for young farmers that were tailored to their requirements as future land managers, as well as enhancing opportunities for these farmers to network amongst other young dairy farmers. It also provided access to information and advisors on priority issues and enabled participants to learn from experienced mentors. Key aims of the project were to focus on utilising on-farm resources better to improve productivity (including soil management, effluent and fertiliser management) and support improved business management skills and opportunities for networking and support.

The initial Darling Downs Young Farmers group was established and managed in partnership with Condamine Alliance. This group was provided with facilitated opportunities associated with formal and informal learning and networking and involved 71 young farmers from 52 dairying businesses. A key component to this network was the development and implementation of on-farm NRM plans.

The success of the Darling Downs Young Farmers group led to an additional $300,000 of funding from the Department of Families, Housing, Communities and Indigenous Affairs to build on the Darling Downs Young Farmers initiative and support the establishment of similar groups in South-East Queensland and the Sunshine Coast areas. A further $45,000 from the Australian Government’s Agfund program has enabled the establishment of a young farmer network in Far North Queensland.

For further information contact the QLD Young Farmers coordinator Theresa Kunde: Mob 0428 147 749

A copy of the Young Farmers How to Guide is available as a PDF. See Reports.

Case study-Darling Downs Young Farmers-Graeme & Theresa Bourke, VIC 2007.pdf