AgRi-Silience has potential to change your business

South Australian livestock and broadacre producers can learn how to improve their business’s economic, environmental and social resilience and adapt to adverse events thanks to a successful farm resilience program continuing in 2022-23.

Applications are open for AgRi-Silience, which is a part of the Farm Business Resilience program, jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Government of South Australia, delivered by Livestock SA.

Livestock SA CEO Travis Tobin said AgRi-Silience is open to all South Australian livestock and broadacre producers and aims to build more resilient producers and businesses.

“Livestock SA has engaged Coo-ee Collective to provide tailored learning through small group workshops and connect producers with specialist consultants,” he said.

“The workshops are a mix of one-on-one business advisory and group learning to help producers develop Resilience Roadmaps for their farm business.

“These Roadmaps consider natural resource management, informed decision making, business management, planning, personal circumstances and social pressures to help producers to build long-term resilience and boost productivity, profitability and sustainability.”

Ellen Arney, Strathalbyn, participated in the first round of AgRi-Silience and said the program provided an opportunity for her to become more aware of different aspects of her business and gave her certainty for the future.

“As a result of participating in AgRi-Silience, I have found taking the time to reflect on our business, where our strengths are and where we can improve has been very worthwhile,” she said.

“Personally, having the space to share and ask questions in a comfortable environment with like-minded people has given me the confidence and tools to discuss our business situation, set goals and have more clarity and certainty around our future.”

Each participating business is required to contribute $500 (ex. GST) and, where appropriate, will be able to access a contribution for travel and childcare costs from Livestock SA.

To maximise the benefits of the program, it is recommended two members of a farm business attend the training. Additional participants are welcome, subject to demand, but will need to pay for the full cost of the program.

For more information and to apply for the AgRi-Silience Program, visit livestocksa.org.au/industry-development/agri-silience