Networking event a huge success

FARMERS, livestock transporters, agents and small landholders gathered at the Mount Gambier & District Saleyards on Wednesday 30 July 2025 for Yarns Over the Yardrails, a community wellbeing event supporting those affected by ongoing dry conditions.

Hosted by the District Council of Grant and sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) Family and Business Support Program, the day offered a relaxed and informative environment for agriculturalists to come together for a feed, connect with services and share practical strategies for getting through the tough seasons.

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said the Saleyards are more than just a workplace and place to sell stock, they’re a place of connection for farmers.

“It was fantastic to see around 80 producers come together at the Saleyards to take a breather, for honest conversations about life on the land and to hear from people who genuinely care about their wellbeing,” Mayor Boston said.

“Events like Yarns Over the Yardrails aren’t just about sharing advice, they’re about reminding our farmers they’re not alone. Sometimes just having a yarn and hearing from others going through the same thing can make a big difference,”

The day’s conversations included local agronomist Rick Jordan sharing insights on how the farming community can make the most of recent rainfall and prepare their paddocks for the season ahead, emphasising a return to the fundamentals of good land management.

“Planning, mitigating risk and getting it right… they’re the basics. Focus on your core business, [be] clear on your direction and targets, be resourced in the right areas so you know what it is you need… have a plan and work the plan… and the other one is for yourself, be motivated,” Mr Jordan said.

“It’s recognising that it’s okay to be tired with all this stuff. It has not been fun [working on the land] for the last 24 months… [but] it’s Spring coming up, we’ve got the rainfall, we’ve got the good rainfall forecast… so take time to actually motivate yourself about what is in front of us.”

Experienced veterinarian Andrew Hoare built on Mr Jordan’s key messages encouraging producers to reflect on what they’ve learned and build confidence through experience, while also offering advice on how to maintain good livestock condition and plan feed budgets.

“We’re not guaranteed a conventional season every year, I don’t think anyone knows what a normal season is anymore… [however] once you’ve done something [and] you’ve done it hard, you know you can get through it. The last two seasons we’ve learnt how to get through those two tough years,” Mr Hoare said.

“When you get an opportunity, do that [basic] stuff. Set yourself up a little bit better so you don’t get the surprise later on as we’ve all sort of had in the last couple of years. If you can, go and try do some sort of rotational grazing [and] the better feeding you can put into your animals, the less animal health problems you’re gonna have.”

Attendees also explored what looking after yourself truly means when working on the land. Former primary producer of 30 years and BlueWren Connections Founder Heather Ellis led an interactive session brainstorming tips on how to prioritise wellbeing in rural life.

“Some of the great things that they identified were things like getting in touch and hanging out with your family, maybe going fishing with a friend… quite a few people mentioned patting their dogs or hanging out with their animals,” Mrs Ellis said.

“There are lots of different things we can do to stop and look after ourselves and never underestimate the simple things. Even when we come to the yards, what the [Social Value of Saleyards] research showed us [is] that sometimes people didn’t come to buy and sell, they come to catch up [and] chat with people they hadn’t seen for a while.”

Representatives from PIRSA and SA Health were on hand throughout the day providing valuable information about the range of support packages and services available to farmers doing it tough, including the State Government’s Drought Support Program, and helping primary producers understand how to access financial and other practical support tailored to their needs.

“Whether you’re heading back to the paddock, the yards, or the kitchen table, take these messages with you; invest in yourself, plan ahead, seek support and remember you’re not alone, there are many people you can talk to,” Mayor Boston said in her closing remarks at Yarns over the Yardrails.

Links to resources and services for farmers can be found on the District Council of Grant website at https://www.dcgrant.sa.gov.au/services/saleyards/support-for-farmers.