Agriculture Outlook

Agriculture Profile

Alongside horticulture, the Sunraysia Region is also characterised by strong agricultural industries such as intensive agriculture, dryland farming and dairying. Intensive agriculture includes poultry, eggs, pork, sheep production, feedlot beef, aquaculture, hydroponics and various greenhouses.

Gannawarra and Buloke shires include established operations in intensive animal husbandry. Dryland cropping and grazing in the outer regions includes sheep and cattle grazing, as well as various productions of cereals, legumes, pulses and oilseeds.

Outlook

Relative to horticulture, the outlook on other agricultural industries is positive but conservative, with growth varying by industry type. Farm sizes in dryland farming and intensive agriculture are anticipated to grow over the medium term. With the exception of Gannawarra Shire, dairying has become more of a niche industry for the sector due to global oversupply of dairy products and low farmgate prices. Several businesses in livestock are also anticipated to scale back operations over the next few years.

General growth will also depend on available soil types, climate and access to future infrastructure (e.g. water and electricity) and available markets and processing facilities. The ageing workforce will also be a likely driver of demand for new workers.

Skills and training

While vocational training is not widely used in other agricultural industries, entry-level experience can guide a worker’s choice around further training. In addition to required entry-level licences (e.g. forklift licence), crop-growers may pursue a Certificate III in Agriculture to strengthen competencies in their roles. Other workers interested in occupations such as a diesel mechanics, fitters and metal fabricators, may look at broader courses and apprenticeships to gain skills for their role on the farm. Similarly, managers, supervisors or specialists may pursue training at the Certificate IV or higher level to upskill, particularly in areas such as agronomy, people management and business management.