By Lucy Waldron
The Granite Belt Growers Association recently hosted a successful “Farming After Hours“ event at Kiara Downs, the property of the Gasperin family.
The gathering provided local farmers with a much-needed opportunity to socialise, network, and discuss the challenges they face in the agriculture industry.
Narissa Corfe, Industry Support Officer of the Granite Belt Growers Association, emphasised the importance of these events for the local farming community.
“It’s an opportunity for them to decompress and connect with others who are going through similar experiences,’ Mr Corfe said.
The highlight of the evening was a demonstration by AusTech Drones, who showcased a new, advanced drone purchased by the Gasperin family.
“The team from AusTech Drones was out there during our event, conducting training with their newly acquired drone, which is designed for spraying crops, particularly in wet conditions,“ Ms Corfe said.
“Everyone was very keen to watch the demonstration, and it added a fun and informative element to the evening.“
These events have become increasingly popular among local farmers, offering a vital social outlet in a profession that can often be isolating.
“We continue to see strong attendance at our events, with around 60 farms represented in our membership,“ she said.
“Each event typically draws about 60 people, and the numbers keep growing. It’s clear that these gatherings are making a positive impact.“
The “Farming After Hours“ events are more than just social gatherings—they play a crucial role in supporting the mental health and well-being of the local farming community.
“With everything going on in the world lately, it’s more important than ever for our farmers to have these opportunities to check in with one another,“ Ms Corfe said.
“These events are a fantastic chance for people to connect, share their experiences, and simply enjoy some time together.“
Through shared experiences and mutual support, the farming community is finding strength and camaraderie in these challenging times.
