The Yass Valley Local Weeds Action Plan review period has now officially closed and we hope that many farmers were able to get their written submissions into the Yass Valley Council.

The council will be addressing the plan and submissions in their end meeting at the of September. NSW Farmers Yass Branch will keep its members informed and up to date with the results of review of the plan.

The branch hosted a great drones training course on Friday, September 6, at Grogansworth, Bowning. This course gave farmers the skills and knowledge to operate drones within the CASA rules, but more importantly gave a hands-on demonstration of how this new technology can assist to making farm practices such as checking water points, livestock and fences in a safely and efficiently.

It also covered the basics around crop mapping; potentially showing any damaged or stressed crops, and giving farmers early options to cut it for hay or put livestock on for grazing.

NSW Farmers Yass Branch is proud to be able to host programs in our rural community, such as the Young Farmer Business Program Bank Ready workshop and drone training day. The branch is committed to supporting our local farmers and the rural community; however branch decisions are made by the members who turn up.

There are membership options for everyone, so contact me or regional services manager, Catriona McAuliffe, for more information.

NSW Farmers cover many topics from mental health, to lobbying for farmers to have support in areas they need. NSW Farmers is a voice for the farmers and communities.

We encourage many younger farmers to get involved so that they feel connected with the future generation of agriculture farming.