Background
The Future Farmers Network (FFN) approached the SA State Government for funding to hold a one day workshop for young rural business managers interested in primary production. The aim of the workshop was to provide opportunities to encourage business growth, explore benchmarking opportunities and diversification through the value chain. The event was coordinated by FFN and the 'Young Rural Professionals Committee' with support from PIRSA.

Objectives
The aim of the project:

• Expand SA networks of young rural people involved in primary industries, who can share creative business ideas, and promote opportunities for partnerships in and across the industry;
• Provide opportunities to enable young people to discuss current issues being faced in the agricultural industry;
• Encourage and facilitate mentoring opportunities within the rural industry to ensure succession of employment for the next generation.
• Provide an opportunity for young people to explore the various employment opportunities within the agricultural industry, by having access to a number of industry representatives;

Activities
In order to deliver the objectives, the project included the following activities:

1. SA Business Case Study section, which will include four guest speakers from the agricultural industry speaking on the following topics:
1. Marketing and Consumers
2. Steps to diversifying and expanding your business
3. Recognising consumer needs and trends
4. Developing value chains
2. SA Resident Thinker Professor Andrew Fearne will participate in a one hour interactive session with atendees. This interaction would therefore be an opportunity for participants to present their thinking/planning/learning from the event to the Thinker. The Thinker would then be able to interact with participants in a more meaningful way.
3. Professional speakers to provide interactive sessions on understanding commodities, diversifying through the value chain, export opportunities, understanding consumer needs, understanding and utilising market opportunities, managing capital and business development and to identify key recommendations and to devise a pathway forward to ensure these recommendations are actioned.
4. A data base of young rural professionals will be developed from this event, to be utilised by the State Government and FFN in the future as appropriate.

Funding
The event was funded by the SA State Government.

Wrap Up
There is only one word to describe the "Think Big" conference held by FFN & PIRSA on 22 September 2008, and that is SUCCESS! 50 people from all different agricultural backgrounds came to the one day workshop. The day was opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Hon Rory McEwan, who encouraged us to farm smarter. Attendees were then introduced to the value chain concept, and how their own business fitted into the value chain.

We heard from four inspiring people who have successfully expanded their family business', working within the larger picture of the value chain, and then moved into groups of about 12 to work with an industry consultant on our own specific business. At the end of the day we were joined by Professor Andrew Fearne, Adelaide's Thinker in Residence, who spoke about issues we had raised and a bit about the value chain in Australian agriculture. Of course, the day also included delicious food, much deserved happy hour and a delicious dinner and wine tasting with fantastic guest speaker Dru Reschky, from Koonara Wines.

Feedback from the event was along the lines of "best event I've attended" so I guess you can't ask much more than that!!! $400,000 of Federal Government funding has been secured by PIRSA, and they are looking forward to working with FFN to deliver some more great events in SA.

To add to this positive note, we have received lots of new members from "Think Big", so welcome aboard to our new SA members!

Further Information/Relevant Links

• FFN Media Release
• "Think Big" program
• Professor Andrew Fearne's website
• SA Food Centre website
• Koonara Wines website
• Four Leaf Milling website
• Udder Delights website

Objectives
The aim of the project was to:
provide leadership mentoring for ten young FFN directors in order to develop their skills to coordinate and lead forums;
increase the links between FFN and peak agricultural bodies;
provide members of the FFN with the opportunity to come together in their state or territory to discuss pathways for participation in rural industries;
strengthen a national network of young people committed to involvement in the rural sector.

Activities
In order to deliver the objectives, the project included the following activities:

1. Appointment of a facilitator and steering committee to:
organise a leadership skills three-day workshop for ten young directors of the FFN; and
develop a directors handbook.

2. Development of a Communications Strategy, which will include:
the national and state plans;
case studies of young people for use in information kits for participants; and
upgrade of the existing FFN website.

3. Organisation of a series of meetings with industry representatives in each state and territory to secure their involvement in the forums.

4. Conduct seven forums that will bring together an estimated 200 young members of the FFN and industry to:
identify opportunities for greater involvement in representative roles;
promote available opportunities to young rural people; and
provide a directory of young people to industry.

Funding
Funding of $40,000 was provided for this project by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Industry Partnerships Programme.

Click here to view the final project report.

Background
The Future Farmers Network (FFN) applied for funding through the Young People in Rural Industries Program Young People's Rural Network Grant. The project commenced in November of 2004 and was completed on the 30th June 2005. A greater part of the project was conducted via distance service delivery including a vast amount of online communication. This method of delivery saw the project continue and conclude with great success, achieving its goals and setting the Network in a good position to continue on strongly into the future.

Objectives
The overall aim of the project was to encourage and support young people to participate in activities that will enhance their involvement at all levels of rural industry activity. Our specific objectives were as follows:
• increase membership from 250 to 500
• develop a structure in each state and territory to drive activities at a regional level
• provide an opportunity for members to meet in an environment that promotes new ideas and encourages young people to be involved
• provide a forum for members to learn about and discuss issues of national significance to agriculture and rural industries
• inform members of events and opportunities within rural industry
• develop promotional material

Success Factor
Facilitated Online Discussion Forums
The bimonthly online discussions have sought the interest and greatly increased interaction of the membership.

Monthly Updates to Members
Maintaining regular contact with members regarding network activities and achievements to ensure they retain the feeling of being part of all network events, activities and achievements has been a positive step.

Maintaining Regular Contact - supporters, peak industry organisations, and potential sponsors 
Building relationships and maintaining constant communication with these groups has ensured positive promotion and awareness of the network.

Positive Media Coverage
Nation wide media recognition of the network and its activities over the project period has ensured positive promotion and awareness of the network.

Funding
Funding of $27,000 was provided for this project by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Industry Partnerships Programme.