Next Gen Farmers
Latest announcement of successful applicants
Next Gen Farmers grants offer support to stage events that improve the leadership and representative capacity of young people entering or involved in primary industries, particularly in the context of the challenges and opportunities in these industries as a result of a changing climate.
Grants of up to $50,000 (GST exclusive) are available.
The Next Gen Farmers grant supports activities that:
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Build and share knowledge and experience
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Increase access to planning tools and resources
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Develop leadership and management skills
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Develop pathways to increase participation in primary industries
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Develop skills to contribute more effectively to government and industry decision making
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Build networks among rural, regional and remote Australians.
These activities could be conducted via workshops, seminars, conferences of industry events or through other innovative mechanisms.
To find out about eligible activities, how applications are assessed and the details of the program please refer to the Next Gen Farmers Grants Program Information.
Future rounds will be announced on this webpage and through the Next Gen Farmers subscription list.
Further information
Please call the Australia’s Farming Future hotline on 1800 638 746.
Next Gen Farmers Media Releases
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Rudd Government supporting women and young people in agriculture - (22 March 2010)
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More Rudd Government funding to promote careers in Agriculture - (6 November 2009)
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2nd announcement - successful applicants (3 July 2009)
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1st announcement - successful applicants (10 June 2009)
3rd Announcement – Successful Next Gen Farmers Grants announced by the Minister 22 March 2010
Up to $49,180 – ‘Ngalang Boodja Native Plant Propagation Project’, Ngalang Boodja Council Aboriginal Corporation
This project aims to increase the awareness of Aboriginal youth to the challenges of climate change and implement a strategic planning and plant propagation project to address these challenges.
Up to $49,070 – ‘Young Farmers Getting Funky in the South Burnett’, Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation
Kicking off with a "Funky Futures Forum" - engaging young South Burnett farming families in issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, followed by a twelve month training and mentoring program
Up to $49,715 – ‘Building Skills SA Next Gen Farmers’ Ag Excellence Alliance Inc
This project aims to increase the awareness of Aboriginal youth to the challenges of climate change and implement a strategic planning and plant propagation project to address these challenges.
Up to $50,000 – ‘Strengthening Australia's Farming Future: Enhancing Leadership and Communication through Diversity’, Australian Women in Agriculture
The project will enhance the leadership and representative capacity of young women involved in agriculture, fisheries and forestry and be inclusive of women of a culturally and linguistically diverse background. The training workshop in Darwin will be followed by support and interaction to increase participants' opportunities to contribute to their industry.
Up to $42,030 – ‘Safeguarding the Future of Agriculture in a Changing Environment’, New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority
The project is a series of workshops designed to build the leadership capacity of the participants by providing professionally delivered training and exposure to a number of networks available to those working in the rural industries.
Up to $50,000 – ‘Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in the Australian Dairy Industry’, Dairy Australia
This project will provide leadership skills, training and mentoring to young people in the dairy industry. It will target people who have a commitment to the dairy industry, who undertake or are aspiring to undertake leadership roles within their communities and the industry.
Up to $47,660 – ‘Coaching and Mentoring in Rural Queensland’, Regional Service Broker Network
The project will target young women service providers who are engaged in primary industries to be trained, providing them with coaching and mentoring. Participants will develop their coaching, mentoring, leadership, communication and decision making skills
Up to $26,870 – ‘New Horizons - Enhancing the Skills of Tomorrow's Farmers with No-Till’, Victorian No-Till Farmers Association
A workshop looking at the challenges facing the cropping industry and how an innovation like the No-Till Farming system can be used to reduce or overcome the effects of these challenges.
Up to $49,488 – ‘Youth Ag Central (YAC)’, Future Farmers Network
YAC is a two day interactive workshop for representatives from young agricultural groups from across Australia involved in all levels of the supply chain. The aim of the workshop is to provide leadership training and dissemination of information on current issues affecting agriculture.
Up to $48,250 – ‘Growing our Future’, Ninti One Ltd
A 2 day event where 20-30 Aboriginal young people will listen to successful Aboriginal business people involved in primary industries talking about their lives.
Up to $48,750 – ‘Dairy’s Future – Making Milk Solid Business’, Dairy SA
This project will develop business management and industry engagement skills of young dairy farmers in South Australia. This program will provide participants with high level extension in business management using a proven delivery team.
Up to $50,000 – ‘Mallee Mentors Program’, Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association
10 - 15 Young farmers from Mallee will attend a tour of the Eyre Peninsula and Financial/Risk management workshops. Each young participant will be paired up with Mentor for the period of the project.
Up to $50,000 – ‘On-farm Experiential Learning for Veterinary Students’, University of Melbourne
This project is a collaborative, experiential learning activity for all first year veterinary students at the University of Melbourne. It includes communication and leadership sessions to aid intercultural learning and evaluation of external risks to farming, such as climate change.
Up to $50,000 – ‘Beef Producers of the Future Unite to Tackle Climate Change’, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation – Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries
The project is an industry driven initiative of the Young Beef Producers’ Forum in Roma to extend learning about climate change preparedness on a small group level using group and e-technology processes across southern and western Queensland.
Up to $50,000 – ‘Innovation Generation 2010 - Building Supply Chain Solutions’, Grain Growers Association Limited
Grain Growers Association (GGA) will hold its annual under-40 young farmer and agribusiness professionals' industry and supply chain conference titled 'Innovation Generation' and themed Building Supply Chain Solutions in 2010.
Up to $46,580 – ‘Encouraging Young Dairy Farmers to Become Future Industry Leaders’, Bega Cheese Ltd
Investing in young farmers who demonstrate an early commitment to the industry is important for grooming future leaders. Training programs in
Seven selected young farmers will be offered access to one of two training programs to develop business and leadership skills to be able to handle the challenges associated with climate change and help secure resilience in the dairy industry.
2nd announcement - successful Next Gen Farmers Grants announced by the Minister, 3 July 2009:
Up to $39,720 - ‘DairySage in the Subtropics’, Subtropical Dairy Programme Ltd
This project will implement a mentor and mentee training program for 12 young people over six months, to help them understand challenges and opportunities while providing skills to manage and cope with climate change.
Up to $45,455 - ‘Learning to Lead’, The Royal National Agriculture and Industrial Association of Australia
This project will deliver a series of leadership events under the theme ‘Learning to Lead’ aimed at young people interested and involved in primary industries.
Up to $36,364 - ‘Train the Leader Initiative’, Rural and Remote Mental Health Queensland
This project will deliver a forum, distance learning program and seminar aimed at developing leadership skills in young people.
Up to $43,545 - ‘Next Gen Farmers Regional Workshop’, Australian Cane Growers Council Ltd
This project will deliver four linked conferences and workshops to build the capacity of young people involved in the sugar cane industry.
Up to $45,455 - ‘Young Farmers and Professionals Forum’, Southwest NRM
This project will deliver a two-day youth forum providing young people from south-west Queensland with leadership skills and inspiration to participate in industry leadership roles.
Up to $20,909 - ‘Show Day Workshop’, Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Inc
This project will teach a group of young people from across Queensland how to successfully run an agricultural show.
Up to $44,664 - ‘2009 Ridley Aqua-Feed Prawn and Barramundi Conference’, Australian Prawn Farmers Association
Through this project, students from all education facilities throughout Australia with an aquaculture curriculum will be invited to attend the 2009 Ridley Aqua-Feed Prawn and Barramundi conference.
Up to $13,182 - ‘Introduction to Farm Business Management Skills for the Next Generation of Farmers’, Bowen District Growers Association Inc
This project will deliver a two-day workshop to teach participants farm management skills.
Up to $39,350- ‘Careers in Beef Exposition’, Charters Towers Regional Council
This project will deliver two three-day expositions showcasing career opportunities in the beef industry.
Up to $45,455 - ‘Sowing the Seeds for Success in 2009’, Grain Growers Association Ltd
This project will assist the Grain Growers Association stage the annual Innovation Generation Conference. The conference is aimed at young people in the agricultural industry and combines a range of industry tours with presentations and discussions on today’s key research and technology topics.
Up to $13,035 - ‘Aquaculture Industry Development Project’, Tailor Made Fish Farms Pty Ltd
This project will deliver monthly visits to Tailor Made Fish Farm Pty Ltd’s facilities for two groups of aquaculture students to provide an overview of the way the business was conceived, developed and how it is run. This will assist participants in developing their own business skills.
Up to $23,382 - ‘Adelaide Hills Study Tour’, Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd
This project will deliver a study tour to the Adelaide Hills for young fruit growers, helping to build networks, encourage them to take on leadership roles and allow them to investigate orchard techniques that have been adopted by growers.
Up to $11,364 - ‘Study Tour to Tasmania’, Southern Farming Systems Ltd
This project will deliver a four-day agribusiness study tour to Tasmania to provide young farmers with an opportunity to interact and network with like-minded individuals confronting challenges posed by farming in a changing climate.
Up to $15,000 - ‘APEN Young Members Program’, Australasia Pacific Extension Network Inc
This project will sponsor 10 young people to attend the 5th International Conference of the Australian Pacific Extension Network. The network acts as a platform for networking, professional development and representation of members to provide motivation, knowledge and networks to improve their capacity to bring about change within the agricultural and natural resource management communities.
Up to $26,364 - ‘Grower Tour to the Burdekin’, Australian Processing Tomato Research Council
This project will deliver a grower tour to the Burdekin region in Northern Queensland for young growers currently involved in the Australian tomato processing industry, assisting in the development of networks and leadership skills.
Up to $39,968 - ‘Young Farm Managers for the Future’, East Gippsland Institute of TAFE
This project will deliver a five-day residential program developing the leadership skills of participants as well as providing them with experience and learning in farm management.
Up to $45,455 - ‘Productive Nutrition Workshop’, Productive Nutrition Pty Ltd
This project will deliver a workshop encouraging young people’s involvement in sustainable agriculture and will highlight the diverse range of career opportunities available to them within this sector.
Up to $30,636 - ‘Young Irrigators’ Group’, Riverland West Local Action Planning Inc
This project will establish a Young Irrigators’ Group and deliver a series of workshops, meetings and tours to build their capacity to face the challenges of a changing climate.
Up to $9,264 - ‘Pinot and Pies Post Seeding Field Walk—Growing a Grower Group’, West Midlands Natural Resource Group Inc
This project will establish a young growers group and will include a field walk to view the range of annual crop seeding that has occurred, as well as a board training course.
Up to $10,636 - ‘Young Farmers Tour’, Katanning Land District Conservation Committee
This project will deliver a two-day industry tour to the southern port of Albany. The tour will include a mix of farm visits, training opportunities, social networking and touring industry related sites.
Up to $45,455 - ‘SEPWA and Liebe Group Young Growers’, Tour’ South East Premuium Wheatgrowers Association Inc
This project will deliver a young growers’ tour of South Australia and Victoria to visit farms, Melbourne port facilities, the Uncle Toby’s factory and other facilities.
Up to $49,050 - ‘Young Facilitators’ Leadership Workshop and Mentoring’, RDS Partners Pty Ltd
This project will deliver two leadership workshops to develop participant’s skills in identifying the needs of rural industries and farm businesses. Each participant will be linked with a mentor to increase the capacity of participants to use the skills and knowledge gained from the project.
1st announcement - successful Next Gen Farmers Grants announced by the Minister, 10 June 2009:
Up to $18,182- ‘Inaugural Australian University Crop Competition 2009’ Grain Growers Association Ltd (NSW).
This project will deliver a university crop growing competition which focuses on promoting and developing a greater connectivity between universities, their students and rural industries.
Up to $30,000 - ‘Developing Skills for the Primary Industries’ Tocal Agricultural Centre (NSW).
This project will deliver a four-day leadership and communication training course for participants drawn from rural areas in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
Up to $35,791 – ‘Natural Resource Management—Climate Change and Production Forum’, Queensland Murray-Darling Committee Inc.
This project will deliver a two-day program primarily focused on providing participants with information on the environmental, economic and social benefits of working collectively towards sustaining our natural resources. The program will develop plans for how best to achieve this goal.
Up to $49,050 – ‘Stepping up the Dairy Pathway’, Subtropical Dairy Program Ltd.
This project will be delivered in two phases. Phase one is a series of workshops focusing on information gathering and action planning in relation to industry and a changing environment. Phase two will be an inter-network tour and conference which will facilitate sharing of experiences and networks.
Up to $4,273 – ‘Farming for the Future’, University of New England.
This project will deliver a series of leadership and management workshops at the local stockyards. The workshops will be delivered by a student team sponsored by the University of New England. The workshops will be delivered by young people for local producers.
Up to $31,818– ‘NSW Young Irrigators’ Forum’, NSW Irrigators’ Council.
This project involves a two-day forum where participants will discuss topics such as climate change, young people in agriculture, asset and yield management, infrastructure investment and succession planning.
Up to $45,455 – ‘Voices of the Future—Murray Darling Basin 2009’, Cotton Australia Ltd.
This project will deliver a two-day event for young industry representatives in the Murray-Darling Basin, particularly the cotton, grains, dairy, horticulture, rice and grape industries. Future and current industry leaders from across the irrigated industries will be brought together to seek solutions to future water access and use.
Up to $45,455 – ‘Primary Industries Camp Program at Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre’ Youth Career Services Inc.
This project involves two four-day residential camps for highschool students within the Murray-Darling region. The camps will include interactive workshops, industry visits and industry guest speakers.
Up to $40,000 - NextGEN Workshops’, Dairy NSW.
This project will deliver a two-day workshop and a NSW-wide industry conference. The workshops will be held in five dairy regions within NSW. The workshops will present participants with a range of existing industry opportunities and they will be expected to complete a project based on specific issues. Each group will then be required to present their findings at the conference.
Up to $45,416 – ‘Know Your Grain—An Advanced Training Program’, BRI Research.
This project involves holding a four-day training program to empower young grains industry leaders by building their leadership and management skills and increasing their awareness of the impacts of climate change on the grains industry.
Up to $45,364 – ‘Confidence to Grow Program’, Dairy Youth Australia Inc.
This project involves two components – the Tall Cockies Competition and the Archibull Prize – and will be managed by the Dairy Youth Australia group. The two competitions use creative arts to engage students in the challenges for primary industries brought by climate change.
Up to $36,364 – ‘Young Farmers Workshop and Forum’, NSW Farmers’ Association Young Farmers Committee.
This project will deliver three activities - a leadership and communications workshop and a young farmers’ forum.
Up to $21,145 – ‘Youth in the Beef Industry’, NSW Shorthorns.
This project will deliver two weekend workshops designed to develop leadership and management skills for 100 participants.
Up to $50,000 – ‘Lachlan Catchment Leadership’ Lachlan Catchment Management Authority. This project will deliver a leadership training package involving three days of formal training, a three-day leadership and team-building canoe trip and a presentation event.
Up to $45,109 – ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders for Sustainability’, Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network Inc.
This project will deliver a training program and a leadership forum. It will also deliver an evaluation report about the project, produce a ‘community of practice’ manual and a promotional video for future use.
Up to $45,455 – ‘Young Farmers for the Wimmera’, Department of Planning and Community Development.
This project will deliver a scenario-planning workshop about the future of farming in the Wimmera, produce a DVD focusing on the role of young people in primary industries, and hold a leadership program. This program will be held over five weeks to develop leadership skills and behaviour of participants to help them articulate the impact of climate change on agriculture to government and industry boards and committees. The applicant will also develop an e-mentoring website.
Up to $44,837 – ‘Community of Practice’, RMIT Hamilton.
This project will deliver 12 workshops held over one year covering issues, knowledge and skills relevant to young people in rural and farming communities. The workshops will include problem-solving discussions and the publishing of up to six research papers.
Up to $50,000 – ‘North East Victoria NextGen Farmer’s Leadership Development Program’, Australian Alpine Valleys Agribusiness Forum Inc.
This project will deliver ten workshops and events to skill young rural people to lead themselves and their communities through the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture, fisheries and forestry due to a changing climate.
Up to $37,750 – ‘The 2009 Grow Your Career Program’, ForestWorks Ltd.
This project will deliver a series of conferences and workshops introducing young people to forestry, culminating in the participants making a presentation to their respective schools.
Up to $44,182 – ‘Lead In—Getting into Rural Leadership’, Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE.
This project will deliver workshops for young people from the Gippsland and Goulburn Valley regions. The workshops will cover topics such as effective meeting procedure, introduction to public speaking, dealing with the media, managing conflict, networking, effective communication and dealing with government.
Up to $31,818 – ‘Next Gen Educational Roadshow’, Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program Inc.
This project will deliver a three-day educational roadshow incorporating workshops, forums, guest speakers and field trips.
Up to $18,000 – ‘2009 Victorian Agribusiness Summit’, Agribusiness Gippsland Inc.
This project will facilitate the attendance of 30 young agribusiness professionals at the Victorian Agribusiness Summit in August 2009 at Cowes, Victoria, including attendance at a networking event.
Up to $45,455 – ‘National Orchard Tours for Australian Fresh Fruit Company Young Members’, Australian Fresh Fruit Company Pty Ltd.
This project will deliver multiple orchard tours to enable young members of the Australian Fresh Fruit Company to learn more about how other farms in their industry are run.
Up to $4,227 – ‘Building Resilience Against Climate Change’, Conservation Council ACT Region Inc.
This project will deliver a two-day rural youth sustainability workshop and 12-week follow up program giving participants the opportunity to develop and implement sustainability projects.
Up to $50,000 – ‘2009 National Congress’, National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).
This project will provide 25 complementary placements for young farmers to attend the National Farmers Federation’s National Congress. Participants will also engage in a mentoring program and be allowed to attend and observe NFF Members’ Council meetings.
Up to $41,350 – ‘Shaping the Future in a Changing Climate’, Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) Ltd.
This project will deliver a training workshop and mentoring event in Canberra for a number of selected young women in agriculture. It will also provide industry networking opportunities.
Up to $40,000 – ‘Moo-vers and Shakers—Developing a Strong and Resilient Network for South Australia’s Young Farmers’, DairySA Regional Development Program Inc.
This project will deliver three key initiatives including a state-wide forum developing business and financial management skills, knowledge of climate change and global financial challenges, and the development of a South Australian young farmers network. A study tour visiting other dairying regions that have established successful young dairy farmers networks will also be part of the project.
Up to $50,000 – ‘South Australian Young Guns Project’, South Australian Lamb Development Team.
This project will deliver six workshops and an industry forum for young people working in the South Australian sheep industry to develop professional skills.
Up to $18,782 – ‘Dowerin Young Rurals Study Tour’, The Shire of Dowerin.
This project will deliver a study tour to Orange, NSW, incorporating a visit to the Australian National Field Days, an introduction to tertiary education at Charles Sturt University and a tour of the Sydney Stock Exchange.
Up to $49,850 – ‘Tasmanian Rural Community Leadership Academy’, Rural Alive and Well Inc.
This program will deliver a two-day personal leadership skills and creating vision and goals session, a two-day turning leadership into actions session, an out-of-session mentoring program and a final session to ensure there are processes in place for the graduates to maintain networks.