AGRICULTURE SKILLS PROGRAM EXPANDS TO LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

Fee-free training will be rolled out to the livestock sector in the Clarence and Richmond Valleys and across NSW thanks to the expansion of a NSW Nationals in Government program investing in upskilling and growing the agricultural workforce.

Nationals Candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson said he was delighted to have the Minister for Agriculture, Dugald Saunders at the Grafton Regional Livestock Centre this morning to talk about the expanded program, which is designed to deliver industry-relevant training, drawing on new and emerging technologies, with a focus on driving effciency and productivity.

“Our State’s agriculture sector is already extremely dynamic and responsive, and this program will help us take it to the next level by giving more people the opportunity to gain industry specifc skills,” Mr Williamson said.

“It will help farmers boost productivity, proftability and competitiveness, and create a highly skilled

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workforce that will drive the industry and grow the economy for generations to come.

“Today’s announcement is all about investing in the next generation of NSW farmers and ensuing our farmers are getting the workers with the skills they need.”

Under the expanded program, livestock includes beef cattle, dairy, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, honey-bees, other livestock, animal management services used for commercial agricultural

(food and fbre) production, and pest and disease management for these animals.

Minister for Agriculture, Dugald Saunders said from inception AgSkilled has focused on plant-based industries like cropping, cotton, viticulture and horticulture, where it has delivered approximately $9.6 million in training across the State since 2020.

“Almost 5,400 training places have been delivered through AgSkilled since mid-2020 and this expansion to the livestock

2844 sector will turbocharge the take-up of skills and training for the people driving an $8 billion industry,” Mr Saunders said.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $3.1 billion skills budget is delivering more fee-free training opportunities than ever before.

Mr Saunders said a single, streamlined training and workforce development program for the entire agricultural sector will generate more opportunities

Big River Way, Ulmarra

for people to get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

“The program is about removing barriers for people to get skilled for in-demand jobs, and will help address industry workforce shortages, give more people the skills they need to secure meaningful employment and provide career development opportunities for those already in the industry,” Mr Saunders said.

Quality, productive farms close to town are a very rare and highly sought commodity. 2844 Big River Way is host to 60 acres of quality alluvial soil and is perfectly situated just 20 minutes(approx) from Maclean and Grafton, and only 35 minutes(approx) from the beach hub of Yamba.

The farm has a proven carrying capacity of 60 head of cattle and has enjoyed a history of pastoral improvement. Having once been utilised as a horse stud, equine pursuits are also well accounted for, with the property hosting a 5 bay stables plus feed & tack room.

If the location and land were not enough, the property also boasts a well appointed, 5 bedroom family home which overlooks the Clarence river from the front and enjoys sweeping views of rural farmland and coastal ridges at its rear. For peace of mind and stock security, the homestead and its adjoining paddock sit on a flood free rise.

9th May- Prime Cattle Sale 8am