Community
25 June, 2025
Farmers encouraged to enrol in online course
FARMERS in south west Victoria have been invited to join an upcoming online whole farm planning course.
Anyone needing advice during the current drought conditions, who want to review where their farm is heading and what other farmers are doing, is interested in making their farm more resilient, productive and sustainable or is wanting to complete a whole farm plan is encouraged to join.
Agriculture Victoria land management officer Clem Sturmfels said the course was about helping farmers meet the challenges of farming in the 21st century.
“The technical and decision-making support that will be provided is designed to assist farmers in managing the impacts of increasingly difficult conditions, delivered in partnership with technical specialists,” he said.
“The primary aim of a whole farm planning course is the protection and management of critical farm assets – your soil, water and vegetation – all of which underpin farm productivity and resilience.
“If you are keen to improve your farm design and layout, optimise production and adaptability, and improve the quality of your soil and water, this is the course for you.
“Other topics will include soils and land classing, pasture and grazing management, farm water supply, farm business planning, tree growing and biodiversity and adapting to a changing climate.”
Mr Sturmfels said a key part of the course would be the creation of a farm map.
“You will have the choice of using a large, printed photo map of your farm or a free computer-based mapping program, QGIS My Farm Plan,” he said.
“The course will run on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for six weeks, commencing Tuesday, August 12 through to Thursday, September 18, via Zoom.
“Each session will run for approximately two hours and will include a mix of formal presentations and hands-on activities.
“Sessions will also be recorded for participants to watch in their own time.”
Registrations will be open until Friday, July 4 and can be made at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/event-listing/online-whole-farm-planning-course.
For more information contact Mr Sturmfels via email at clem.sturmfels@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
This course is delivered by Agriculture Victoria, with support from the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
Read More: local