The future of farming was in focus at the NSW Farmers’ annual conference in Sydney last week.
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Local farmer Callan Schaefer attended the meet for the first time and said he was pleased with an announcement of six new Young Farmer Branches – with one set for the New England.
“It will be a group and we’ll have designated times to have meet-ups and talk to all the other young farmers,” he said.
“It’s a chance to swap ideas and see what everyone else is doing which is a fantastic idea.”
Mr Schaefer, a young farmer himself, said it can be difficult to get a leg-up in the business when you’re young.
“I think it’s very hard for young people to get into the industry,” he said.
“The cost factor is quite significant which is why getting young people and getting them interested is quite hard.
“Trying to buy a farm under the age of 35 is a hard task.”
Mr Schaefer said he was fortunate to have had his property, Fernhill, in his family for four generations.
And with wool prices riding record highs this year – business is good.
“We’ve got Merino sheep for the wool, and just starting up a first-cross wool operation now to try and get that prime lamb that’s so well known in the New England and Guyra area,” he said.
The conference also touched on a range of issues including technology, such as using drones, and stock welfare.
New England MP Barnaby Joyce made an address, causing a few tongue-in-cheek reactions.
“If you don't believe in genetic modification and you're wearing a cotton shirt, I'm looking around this room now, take it off immediately,” he said.
“And whilst you're at it, lose your underwear.”
The Deputy PM also had a sly dig at North Korea.
Meanwhile, NSW Farmers’ President Derek Schoen said internet connectivity was at the forefront of farmers’ concerns.
“Farmers should have affordable and reliable internet services,” he told delegates.
He said 2017 was the year of delivering telecommunications to the bush.
And perhaps he’s right.
Mr Schaeffer said having good internet access was increasingly becoming a big part of the business.
“Facebook seems to be a massive thing these days,” he said.
The young farmer is also looking forward to having a new mobile tower installed on his property in the near future.