THE VICTORIAN Farmers Federation annual conference in Geelong today heard from specialists in all aspects of farm inputs and marketing.

The sessions included panel discussions on farmers’ social licence, chemical stewardship including spray drift and supply chain developments.

VFF grains group manager Alister Boyd (above) said twitter is a huge communication tool among farmers themselves but they appear to achieve very little effective twitter communication to the general populus.

“The session is about how agriculture markets itself to the non-rural sector,” he said

Social licence to operate is a crucial part of marketing.

“As an industry we can and do farm responsibly, and we need to communicate that message to the non-rural sector.”

“It’s about reaching our consumers through two-way communication, education, and openness.

“If we’re not actively telling our story consumers will get their information elsewhere, and we’ll have no input into that narrative.”

Jake Olver and Alister Boyd

Speaking at the chemical stewardship session was machinery dealer O’Connors’ product specialist Jake Olver who had tips for growers about how to use technology to manage environmental obligations and input costs simultaneously.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a farm business, or a supplier, we’re all in this industry together and we can shape its direction.”

“Reducing spray drift contributes directly to the bottom line and it is also necessary if we are to retain the social licence required to apply chemical.”

“There’s a lot of information out there about appropriate nozzle selection and boom height to manage drift, plus a range of Pulse Width Modulation technologies, such as the AIM Command systems on our self-propelled Case IH Patriot Sprayers, that can be implemented to ensure an effective and safe spraying program.”

“If you’re not sure, consult an expert.”