Putting Tablelands on the map

TFS is a new research, development and extension-based organisation.

At the launch, keynote speaker and Australian Farming Institute executive director Mick Keogh spoke about the need for the region from Yass to Oberon to market the value of its produce to consumers.

“We can no longer compete (with international exporters) on price... so we need to look at other opportunities,” he said.

“We need to respond to consumer demands and project the values of our system – quality, safety, disease free, sustainability, good animal welfare standards with a family-farm dominance,” Mr Keogh said.

About 130 people went to the launch.

Owner of Derribong Products, North Goulburn, Ray Shiel, was among the crowd and agreed it was important for TFS to focus on marketing produce from the region.

“We need to improve our image,” he said.

TFS chairman Tom McGuinness said the new organisation would assist farmers and their businesses to be more profitable in the face of ever-shrinking returns.

Among the goals of the new organisation, Mr McGuinness said research and development projects to help service the needs of farmers would be a priority.

Some of these projects included looking into how to better manage low-phosphorous soils and how to overcome drench resistance for livestock.

“We also want to set up pathways of support for young people in agriculture,” he said.

Mr McGuinness said an example of this support could be the implementation of a mentoring program, where young farmers and producers could benefit from the experience of older members of the community.

Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson also attended the launch.

“This will be a cutting edge, best practice organisation,” said Ms Hodgkinson.

She said the TFS membership base extended across many enterprises, from wool, beef and meat sheep to cropping and livestock, and included large and small farmers and producers of niche enterprises.

“These local farmers are driving our agricultural industries on the Southern Tablelands toward a more prosperous future.”

Peter Flint was a local producer who liked what he heard at the launch.

“The whole concept is brilliant,” Mr Flint said.

“Its greatest advantage is that it will be regional-based.”

Mr Flint, from Laggan, said bringing things back to a regional level would help produce results for the specific needs of the area.

Troy Meller, “Wamanar”, Gurrun-dah, was full of praise for the concept of TFS, but questioned whether the $500 annual fee would preclude people on smaller properties from joining.

“I think the small guys will miss out,” he said.