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Wednesday, October 25, 2017
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RESILIENCE IN RURAL SECTOR REMAINS KEY FOR SA PRODUCERS
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Resilience in the rural sector has remained a key theme for many South Australian producers in the past 12 months, with another year of extreme weather conditions and, for some, the continued aftermath and recovery from the devastating Pinery fire in 2015.
Rural Business Support Chief Executive Officer Brett Smith said while 2016-17 began with a near record grain harvest, it then hit producers with the driest start to the growing season in five years.
While grain prices had dropped, livestock and wool prices remained strong and grape prices had shown some signs of improvement after many years of near cost-of-production returns. In the Northern Territory record cattle prices and improved seasonal conditions continued to inject confidence into the pastoral industry.
“It is an exciting time for agriculture. The industry is looking the best that it has for a long time, while still understanding that some industries and regions have specific difficulties, but in the main things look very promising,” he said.
“Farming is a risky business and our farmers have adapted well to manage risk in the challenging environmental and economic circumstances that can suddenly transform their situations.
“For many to take advantage of the forecast good times ahead, business and planning skills development are essential in positioning farmers to build resilience and take advantage of these opportunities. Strong and well-planned businesses are better able to withstand unforeseen circumstances.”
Nuffield scholar Derek Tiller was the keynote speaker on the topic of Resilience in the Rural Sector at the RBS Annual Stakeholder Breakfast held in Adelaide yesterday.
Mr Tiller discussed how key outcomes from his 2015 Nuffield Scholarship project had helped his family business become more resilient, sustainable and responsive, in particular after the 2015 Pinery fire. The bushfire tore through the Tiller family farm, burning 85,000 hectares across communities in the Lower North region. The losses included 87 homes, countless items of machinery and livestock. Devastatingly the fire claimed two lives, including Derek Tiller’s uncle, Alan Tiller, and there were many burns victims.
Mr Tiller manages a 4000-hectare property producing wheat, barley and lentils at Pinery, together with his brother Clinton and parents, John and Christine.
“The Pinery fire, which occurred during the time I was completing my scholarship, uncovered just how vulnerable a family business can be without sound structures, compounded by increased level of stress, fatigue, workload and grief to deal with,” he said.
“Given the complex nature of family farms, making decisions that meet the needs of all involved and improving the business at the same time proved to be a huge challenge.
“My research found that there are three key areas needed to begin to overcome these: sustainability to ensure continuity, resilience to manage adversity and responsiveness to guide and resource the business.
“Furthermore, my research found there are many useful resources to assist family farms in making sound decisions, and as a result of these, can produce far-reaching benefits for the business and family members.”
Details: Visit www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au
ENDS
Media enquiries: Brett Smith, Rural Business Support, chief executive officer, on 0412 630 015 or b.smith@ruralbusinesssupport.org.au
For a high-resolution photo of Brett Smith click here
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