The young farmer attendance statistics were almost as good as Stirling Mortlock's at the Young Farmer Business Program Conference last week - an event many will be talking about, almost as much as recent rain reports.
Young farmers across the state were inspired by tours, connected with friends, had our thoughts challenged and moved to the beat of motivational speakers - the likes of Mark Bouris on how to build a business of value and Stirlo on how athletic performance and training runs parallel with the business world.
Topics also included succession planning conversations with Isobel Knight and tackling all things to do with starting and upscaling businesses.
The incredible breadth and depth of content covered on the day was not lost with the MC skills of Jillian Kilby and visual illustrations courtesy of Jessamy Gee on display.
A big thanks to the panellists, organisers and attendees who made the event a positive experience.
The conference demonstrates the value of the Young Farmer Business Program, which has reached more than 400,000 people in NSW over the past two years.
They've delivered 41 events, 77 coaching sessions, and presented to 987 attendees about business management skills.
We can see that the program is working - young farmers are connecting with each other, improving their business knowledge and skills, accessing new business projects and services, and increasing their capacity to make good business decisions.
Other states look at our program in envy.
It's important we keep this vital program running over the next few years, as we hopefully ease out of drought.
We need to invest in our future farmers to ensure our industry is productive, innovative and resilient.
Don't forget to check out the Young Farmer Business Program Propagate podcast - this eight-part series is a must-listen.
- Rachel Nicoll is the NSW Young Farmers chair.
