FARM Management 500, a private group extension program that has helped shape agriculture in south eastern Australia for 20 years, will cease operations at the end of June.
Chairman, Neil Clark, said farmers now had much better access to professional development programs offered by banks, agricultural consulting firms and other providers.
"That wasn't the case when we started - the program filled a major void at the time. It's been very successful over the years, pioneering many initiatives in farm management training and industry extension that are now mainstream," Mr Clark said.
"But the business and financial management services industry has evolved considerably since we started and it became clear to the board the original purpose had been fulfilled and it was time to hand over the baton."
Farm Management 500 was founded in 1991 by a collegiate group of 16 leading agricultural consultants to ‘accelerate the adoption of improved farm business management’.
It was based on farm management discussion groups, many of which have persisted for almost 20 years. As the groups multiplied, the area covered by the program extended from the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia through Victoria and as far north as Wagga Wagga in NSW.
Each group of about 12 businesses gathered four to six times per year to learn about and analyse current issues affecting farm profitability and productivity. An agricultural consultant facilitated discussions and provided professional management advice.
Managing director, Philip O'Callaghan, acknowledged the contribution of farm consultants to the program.
"One of the truly unique features of Farm Management 500 was the genuine collegiate structure of the private consultants. They worked together and shared information for the betterment of the industry."
