Communication

Communication is seen as the key ingredient in forming a successful Young Farmer and Agribusiness Professional network. All effort will be made to modernise communication channels and to provide effective two-way interaction between members, the Young Farmers committee and the NSW Farmers Association. This will provide young farmer members with involvement in the activities and direction of the movement within the Association, with time delays in information dissemination minimal.

The establishment of regional contacts will provide the conduit for grassroots membership and interaction, and provide a bridge between the growing membership of the YF movement and the committee. Committee and regional members will be actively involved in regional branch and district council meetings to ensure the two-way flow of information.

Improved Communication – Members

The Young Farmers Committee aims to significantly improve communication with The NSW Farmers Associations young farmer and student members by:

• Developing bi-monthly newsletters, to be circulated electronically, outlining the activities of the committee, what’s on, key information for personal, professional or business development etc.
• Develop a website exclusive for members of the young farmer network which is informative and interactive. A key aspect of this vehicle will be the ability for members to openly discuss issues on-line through a blog scenario. This will allow for effective collection of information by the committee and Association in broader endeavors.
• Develop linkages with other Young Farmer groups to improve the value of information and exposure
• Establish the chairman of the Young Farmer committee as a point of reference for communication feedback, who takes accountability for actions regarding the communication

Improved Communication - Association

There is a need to increase face to face contact with the committee, the executive council and the board of the NSW Farmers Association. Key updates to executive council should transpire every second EC meeting, with an annual face to face presentation to the board of the annual operating plan.

The committee will also improve its reporting through the development of an annual report which will be aligned to this blueprint, and provide both the association and its members the value of the committee to the overall success of the NSW Farmers Association.