The Future Farmers Network (FFN), a nation-wide professional network for young people in agriculture, has relocated to Tamworth, but its focus remains more broadly on keeping young people in the bush.

FFN executive officer Toby Locke said it was more important than ever to provide young people with the skills and support they need to remain in the ever-volatile agriculture industry.

“FFN is Australia’s only national network for supporting 18 to 35-year-old young people in agriculture,” he said.

“Although the name suggests we’re only supporting farmers, that’s not the case.

“We support a range of people throughout the agriculture sector, so agri-finance, agri-marketing, stock and station agents, you name it.”

FFN was founded in 2002 to connect to like-minded and passionate people from across the agriculture sector, and to offer support for a range of educational and professional development.

“Without a doubt we’re working to future-proof the industry,” Mr Locke said.

“Traditionally, farmers’ median age is growing older, so we need to think about how we keep this industry revitalised and feed a growing planet.”

Though FFN members are based across the country, the North West has proved the perfect home for its management with its prime beef, wool, horticulture, grains, and cotton industries. 

The FFN’s most recent annual survey found that the biggest concerns for young farmers include succession planning, accessing new markets, understanding consumer trends.

“Traditionally, it was very much farmers declared what meat and two veg were on your table, whereas nowadays it’s dramatically changed thanks to social media and the internet,” Mr Locke said.

“Farmers are now told what they need to produce with trends like organic lines, paleo, gluten-free.”

To get involved, visit www.futurefarmers.com.au