BIRCHIP Cropping Group’s Young Farmer Network was rapidly expanding and growing enthusiasm across the region, said senior manager of extension and communications Grace Hosking.
“In our role as the Vic Hub’s North West Broadacre Node, BCG has brought together hundreds of young farmers from across the region in recent weeks to build knowledge, create networks and support each other through our BCG Young Farmer Network events. 
“Held in Kaniva, Boort, Warracknabeal, Sea Lake and Bridgewater, the events saw an influx of new members in attendance, enthusiastic to learn and to meet new people,” Ms Hosking said.
Ms Hosking said the diversity of the establishing group was broad with farmers, employees, contractors and agricultural professionals attending, a testament to the supportive environment and the breadth of topics the network aims to address.
“BCG’s Young Farmer Network is targeted towards the youngest generation on farm and is not exclusive to farm owners. We encourage registrations from anyone who wants to grow their network while keeping up-to-date with the latest agronomic advances.
“Registrants will have first access to event tickets and will help drive the focus of future meetings planned throughout the growing season.”
Optimising spray application was a topic identified by young farmer network members in the Kaniva and Boort areas.
Spray experts Craig Day and Lucy Paenga explained spray drift and the importance of nozzle selection at the Kaniva and Boort events respectively. Boort attendees also heard from Dan Toohey regarding drought proofing machinery purchases and witnessed spray demonstrations from a variety of manufacturers.
Ms Hosking said the event was timely given the early break and the need to increase spray efficacy to not only minimise competition within crop but also reduce  waste and consequently, input and environmental costs.
The Kaniva event was in collaboration with Partners in Ag and Boort in collaboration with Nutrien Ag Solutions.
The next BCG Young Farmer Network meetings will be held across the Wimmera Mallee in June.