Fit Farmer brings practical information for planning ahead
What happens to pensions and asset tests when a farm is handed on? What options are available for farmers wanting to remain living on the property? And how could a new pasture forecasting tool help local producers make livestock and feeding decisions?
These are some of the practical issues to be explored at GLENRAC's Fit Farmer event at the Glen Innes Showgrounds Tearooms from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm on Thursday, 10 September 2026, a free event will bring together speakers covering topics from farm succession and retirement, pest animal disease surveillance, farm business planning, mental fitness, aged care to a new Farming Forecaster project coming to our region.
Paul Hyson from Services Australia, a highly regarded presenter at GLENRAC events, will speak on Rural Issues & Succession Planning, helping farming families understand some of the practical considerations that can arise when thinking about retirement and the future ownership of the farm.
GLENRAC CEO, Kylie Faslconer, said: “succession planning is an issue many farming families knew they need to consider but could find difficult to know where to begin, and understanding some of the rules and options early can be valuable.”
“We are excited to bring Farming Forecaster to the Glen Innes region”, said GLENRAC Project Manager, Eliza James. “The Fit Farmer event is an ideal opportunity to introduce this decision-making tool to our local producers. Farming Forecaster combines local weather, soil moisture and pasture data, which, when analysed, helps livestock producers to make informed decisions around stocking and supplementary feeding.”
Lee Parker from Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD) will provide an update into the work currently being undertaken by the Pest Animal Disease Surveillance Project, including control of pigs and deer populations.
Farmers will also hear an update on the NSW Farm Business Resilience Program and the practical business-planning support available, including farm business planning tools, training and coaching to help identify goals and better prepare their businesses for drought, climate variability and other risks.
Since GLENRAC’s Fit Farmer always coincides with national R U OK? Day, we also focus on looking after the people who look after our farms.
Andrew Daley from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) will talk about practical ways to stay well when pressures build; recognise when you or someone around you may not be travelling so well; and know when and where to seek support.
“We spend a lot of time thinking about keeping ourselves physically fit enough to do the job, but being mentally fit for the long haul matters too,” said GLENRAC Project Manager, Karen Bavea.
Megan Bachali, Aged Care Specialist Officer with Services Australia, will also return with advice and information for people beginning to think about their own future needs or those of a parent, relative or other loved one navigating aged care.
Local service providers will also be available during the morning, giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions, make connections and learn more about support available across the region.
The event is free and lunch will be provided.
Bookings are essential: please RSVP by Tuesday 8 September to 02 6732 3443 or karen.bavea@glenrac.org.au