MEETING the challenges of farming in the 21^st century will be the theme of a whole farm planning course to be run by Agriculture Victoria.

Agriculture Victoria land management officer Clem Sturmfels said farmers in south-west Victoria are invited to join the upcoming online whole farm planning course

He said ‘Helping you meet the challenges of farming in the 21st century’ course will provide technical and decision-making support designed to assist farmers in managing the impacts of increasingly difficult conditions, delivered in partnership with technical specialists.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“A key part of the course is 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 12 August through to Thursday 18 September, 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.”

Register your place here, before Friday 4 July. For more information contact Clem Sturmfels at [email protected]

For more information about drought and dry seasons support visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

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.