Farmers are no strangers to the concept of a co-operative and working together to support each other.
Mary Valley Country Harvest Cooperative aims to do just that by providing marketing and distribution assurances, increased profitability and long term sustainability for farmers.
Its inaugural Summer School offers a two day course on February 11 and 12 to look at innovative ways to develop a farm business. New and existing landholders can take advantage of farm visits providing support and regular exchange of information on how they operate and what informs their decision-making.
Four subject streams will be offered over the two days.
• Financial and Property Management will provide checklists to evaluate your properties potential and keeping track of farm finances.
• General Horticultural Enterprises discusses potential new crops, soil characteristics and farmscaping to attract pollinators.
• Animal Enterprises presents Graeme Elphinstone from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry with his expertise on the grazing landscape. From parasites to fences and pigs. What to consider in developing your production system?
• Market Gardening talks irrigation, tools, production planning and most importantly post-harvest handling. Everything to get you started on developing a small area farming enterprise.
Tuesday night is an opportunity to celebrate the best of valley produce with a 3 course Harvest dinner with guest panel. You can network and be inspired whether you are a potential grower or otherwise. This event is also open to the public if you are unable to attend the school.
Bookings are essential. For a detailed programme go to www.maryvalleycountryharvest.com or contact Elaine Bradley 0459 225 399 or maryvalleycountryharvest@gmail.com
The 2 day program with lunch provided and Harvest dinner is $70, single day for $35 or Harvest Dinner for just $20. These workshops are funded by the Australian Dept of Employment and through the local employment coordinator Flexible Funding Pool keeping costs of workshops to a minimum.
