THE Young Farmers Council of NSW Farmers is an integral component of our association.
It fosters and promotes the current young farmers who are already contributing and striving in their respective industries.
Our council also plays an important role for our future farmers.
We are a resource for information, we provide access to other industry bodies as well as provide a support network for young farmers across the State.
In the past year our young farmers have represented our organisation at all levels, including internationally.
They have attended international food festivals, been awarded NSW Farmers' scholarships, won national challenges, received national scholarships and State awards.
In a nutshell they have been achieving incredible results and are inspirational in their pursuits.
My opportunities have allowed me to connect with our members, seek further ideas and share the NSW Farmers objectives with wider audiences.
It has also helped me understand the challenges that our young farmers are facing today particularly in terms of financial issues, business skills and personal support.
I can see a great opportunity here for our council to expand our approach to members to connect better with them by providing support with the introduction of podcasts with experts they can listen to while they are driving a tractor, advocating and lobbying government and banks on issues important to them.
I encourage all young farmers to connect with our council with any other concerns because that is what we are here for – to support the next generation of farmers in this great State.
A constant inspiration to me is the passion held by farmers in respect to the industry – one so strong that if unity could be reached would be unstoppable.
Every farmer has a remarkable influence over our industry.
People who have once stood at the farm gates and risked everything for the long term success and security of their families.
While the seasons for some may be challenging, I urge all farmers to keep farming, knowing that their daily acts encourage and inspire the younger generations every day.
Extract from Josh Gilbert’s speech delivered on July 15 at the NSW Farmers’ 2014 annual conference at Luna Park, Sydney.