New group helping young Lower EP farmers connect and thrive

A new generation of Lower Eyre Peninsula farmers are building connections, growing their agricultural knowledge and becoming more confident farm managers thanks to a new group designed just for them.

Established by AIR EP, delivered by George Pedler Ag and funded through the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SA Drought Hub), the Lower EP Young Farmer Group began in September 2025.

It follows the earlier success of the Young Farmers groups that ran in the Rudall and the Far West areas from early 2024 to December 2025, which were supported by funding from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) Community Impact grants.

Open to farmers aged 18 to 25, the Lower EP group aims to assist in building members’ knowledge, skills, connections and networks in agriculture.

Group members attended their first crop walk in October, visiting a local farm and trial site. It was an opportunity for the young farmers to learn more about decision making in crop rotation planning and spray scheduling, soil management, how to read and understand trial results, and connect with others.

Over the coming months the group, which has about 15 members, will participate in three facilitated workshops designed to build confidence in decision-making, risk understanding, agronomic knowledge, communication, and crop and farm management.

AIR EP Executive Officer Naomi Scholz said the initiative had been well received in the region.
“We’ve had a lot of great feedback so far, both from the participants and from the parents of the young farmers involved,” Ms Scholz said.

“Intergenerational farming can present its challenges, and we’re hearing that this new generation of farmers highly value the opportunity to network with others in similar situations. Their parents are saying it’s a great way for these young farmers to ask questions and learn in a safe and supportive environment.

“The older generation are also saying the group fills the gap of the old Ag Bureaus, which have faded away over time, and there’s a real hope these young farmers will continue to meet and connect after the project finishes.”

Group members also have the opportunity to shape the program by deciding on the topics they want to learn about through their workshops.

“Already they’ve expressed an interest in learning more about soil health and management and the science that goes along with that,” Ms Scholz said.

“They’re also really keen to explore some of the more technical components of agronomy, and learn about what new technologies are out there to assist them with farm and crop management.

“The group is a safe and encouraging space and we’re seeing the impact of that in the confidence of its members to ask lots of questions – questions they’ve said they were previously too afraid to ask at other field days or crop walks attended by more experienced farmers and industry representatives.”

Lower EP Young Farmer Group co-ordinator Lucy Pedler said both the Lower EP and Rudall Young Farmers groups were also providing important social and networking opportunities.

“Farming can be an isolating career at times, so opportunities for young people to meet, socialise and connect with others going through similar experiences is important,” Mrs Pedler said.

“The Young Farmer groups bring together this next generation of farmers in a way that encourages them to build new friendships and networks. That’s so valuable to have when they’re facing challenges like isolation or a difficult season.

“Being able to talk to others in a similar situation aids resilience in those tough times and supports our young farmers to know they’re not alone, and that they’re capable and well supported.”

The group will run throughout 2026.

To find out more about AIR EP’s programs and events, subscribe to the AIR EP Newsletter or become a member online at www.airep.com.au.