By FRANK YORK With drought conditions now having a severe impact on our farmers and on our town, a small group of dedicated locals has successfully secured funding which allowed a forum on Friday 8 August address the well-being of farmers by presenting speakers on practical subjects of farm management. Agriwellness Euroa is a group of dedicated local community members who delivered a public forum in Euroa entitled 'From drought response to long term readiness'. The event and launch of the group's name was possible following a discussion with local state member Annabelle Cleeland around how best we might provide support for our farming community. The primary focus of the group is focused on the well-being of our farmers. We know that we have lost too many farmers over recent time as they each face hurdles they do believe are surmountable. The drought is taking its toll on more than livestock - our farming community carries a heavy load as well. The forum was open to the public and featured three highly accredited professionals as presenters who each shared information that was designed to inform our farmers and help them navigate the drought and prepare for the coming months and years of recovery. Those attending enjoyed a lovely morning tea whilst networking before the presentations commenced and finished up with a barbecued luncheon on the deck of the Third Age Club overlooking Sevens Creek. Dr Anna Manning, a leading and well-known large animal specialist veterinarian, opened the series of presentations with an overview on managing animals during the drought. With farmers reducing herd sizes, Dr Manning delivered a wealth of advice around the optimisation of animal health during these difficult times, when feed is scarce, its quality is poor, and it is expensive. Matthew Hallam, an agronomist and animal nutrition specialist followed with a very information presentation and discussion around livestock feeding and the options that farmers need to consider in maximising the health of their herds and good decision-making processes for the retention of sale of stock. Stock prices are good at the present time; however, the input costs for farmers is equally high and well-informed decision making now will ensure farmers can survive. The forum was rounded out with a presentation from Greg Bekker, a land management specialist from Agriculture Victoria, who focused on how we best manage our pastures and land for now and the future. The availability of water is critical to every farm, and in these times of drought that availability gains significant importance. The forum was also delighted to welcome Strathbogie Shire's Mayor Clare Ewart-Kennedy, accompanied by CEO Rachelle Quattrochi and Community Development Officer Jean McKinnon. Councillors Greg Carlson and Clarke Holloway also showed their support for our community through their participation. The Agriwellness Euroa group is small in number but has enjoyed valuable financial support from Nutrien Euroa and Strathbogie Shire, allowing us to support our community through drought. Many thanks must also be given to Michael and Rowena Stubbe and Rotary Euroa for their support through the provision of the BBQ and to the ladies from the Women 4 Community who managed catering. The forum was principally put together by Loretta York who should be congratulated for taking this idea through to reality. Guests found the event informative and an opportunity to come together off the farm and share their stories over a cuppa and a bite to eat. Agriwellness Euroa will continue to support the outreach service to farmers and will continue to search for ways in which we can support our community throughout this period of drought.
