The Grassland Society of Southern Australia is looking to rebuild by engaging with a new generation of farmers and agricultural consultants.
The society has connected farmers, scientists and consultants for 65 years and members gave its future a big vote of confidence at the annual conference in Bendigo on July 17 and 18.
The society will now embark on a membership drive aiming to recruit younger members, while revitalising its local branches and seeking funding for more on-ground research and extension activities.
GSSA chair Tim Prance said the conference had been a success, drawing strong sponsorship more than 130 registrations.
The society had previously warned that its future was on the line if the conference didn’t attract strong support.
“We had a good conference and a positive discussion on the future of the society that encouraged us as a board to move ahead,” Mr Prance said.
“We will particularly focus on attracting young agronomists, farmers and students, while seeking funding for projects that will shore-up the society’s financial position and put a modern twist on important grasslands-based research.
“There are a lot of benefits from joining the society, not only in getting access to up-to-date information and research that drive profitability and sustainability, but in the networking opportunities.”
The focus on young members has already started with three South Australian students being sponsored to attend the conference; Emily Adams received the Joyce Gillespie Student Bursary, Jessica Fels received a University of Adelaide Ag, Food and Wine Bursary and Rory Dunn an AW Howard Memorial Trust Bursary.
Students can become members for free.
The conference theme was evidence based decision making and was designed to help producers make informed decisions that are right for their enterprises.
GSSA has successfully promoted the business of grass, science and farming since 1959 and has nearly 600 members and six branches in Victoria, South Australia and southern NSW.
For more information about joining the GSSA, phone 1300 137 550 or visit: https://www.grasslands.org.au/