Agfest celebrates 25th birthday

Every year on the first Thurday, Friday and Saturday of May, the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania host the most amazing event in Tassie.
I might sound a little biased, and you might be right because for 10 years (with the exception of the last 2) I had been on the Agfest organising committee.
The first ever Agfest was held in 1983 at a motor racetrack at Symmons Plains. It was a single day event and attracted 9000 visitors and 100 exhibitors.
Hello Rural Australia!

From the farm gate and beyond — Rural Connections is a boutique business focused on delivering results to all levels of Agriculture.
Rural Connections understands that no two farms, breed societies, or agribusinesses operate in the same manner.
That’s why we work on a very personal level to understand each business and their unique needs.
Right around Rural Australia, we specialise in:
- Event & Project Management - Facilitation of conferences, workshops, and educational events for any rural occassion.
- Administration — Office management, and secretarial services for agricultural organisations, and farm businesses.
- Marketing & Promotions — Management and development of market research, public relations, databases, and marketing programs.
- Photography - Shot specifically for the occassion to suit your needs.
A Curriculum Vitae to illustrate the strengths, skills and experiences of Rural Connections is available upon request. Click here to contact us
Lessons from the cows

I went to a “townie” high school for the first year of secondary education — I hated it!
I have been passionate about Agriculture since I was a young tacker driving the tractor on Dad’s knee. There was never any doubt in my mind the rural industry was my destination.
So, I nagged my Mum & Dad until they were sick of hearing the sound of my voice to let me go to a District High School.
Rural Connections — the beginning
Rural Connections has been established to provide Event Management, Administration, Business Marketing & Promotions and Photography services, specialisng in Agriculture.
I am well known in the agricultural industry, and this is one of my greatest strenghts. I am extremely passionate about the agricultural industry and love working with individuals and organisations which are equally passionate about it.
The skills and knowledge which make up the strengths of Rural Connections has been gained from a combination of hands on farm work, employment with agribusiness companies, volunteer experience and formal study over the past 10 years.
Rural Diary - May 2007

Jamena & Seaview Poll Hereford Sale
2 May
Powranna Sale Yards, Tasmania
Contact Judy Fry (03) 6258 3364 or Dale Duggan (03) 6298 3123
Agfest Field Days
3-5 May
Quercus Rural Youth Park, Carrick, Tasmania
visit the Agfest web site for further details
The Power of Engagement Course
29-30 May
Woolstore, Hobart, Tasmania
For further details email or phone 0409 196 861
Take two painkillers … No Bull!

Just thinking about advertising, marketing and paperwork can give you a head ache!
Take two painkillers and give me a call.
The pain killers are bound to take the edge off for a few hours, but it really won’t help with the long term headache caused by worrying about what the needs of your farm or rural organisation.
If you want answers about what are the best options which are sensible, practical and more importantly “No-Bull” plain English please call 0409 196 861 or e-mail Sally.
Rural Futures Forums
RuralScope is currently completing research into identifying barriers and developing strategies to increase participation of 15 - 25 year olds in rural industries across Tasmania.
Statewide forums for 15 - 25 year olds are also being held across Tasmania from 15 - 20 May 2007.
For more information on the project contact Caroline Brown on 03 6336 5383 or 0400 927 989.
Complete the on-line Survey here.
Rural Industries Youth Advisory Group
The Rural Industries Youth Advisory Group is seeking nominations from young people (18 to 35 years) who want to make a difference to agriculture, fisheries and forestry related industries.
The role of the Advisory Group, formerly known as the National Council of Young Farmers, is to advise the Australian Government from a youth perspective on issues affecting agriculture, fisheries and forestry related industries and the young people within them.
Participation on the Advisory Group also presents a tremendous opportunity for young people to develop their skills, networks, and build their reputation and ability to influence positive change in Australia’s industries.
Young people from agriculture, fisheries, forestry and all supply chain and related industries such as agribusiness, processing, research, retail, natural resource management are encouraged to apply.
Applications close 5.00pm AEST, Thursday 3 May 2007
For further information and nomination forms please visit http://www.yarn.gov.au, send us an email or call 02 6272 4125.
Tasmanian Kelpie & Collie Collective
James & Katrina Ridgway; John & Rachael Treasure; Matt & Margie Johnston; and Lee Jamieson are four of Tasmanians leading working dog enthusiasts have joined forces to become the Tasmanian Kelpie & Collie Collective.
The collective is an informal group of mates who are very passionate about offering help to source, advise and educate anyone interested in working dogs.
“The collective has an expansive network of national and international dog breeders who we can call on when trying to find top notch working dogs”, says Rachael Treasure a member of the collective.
The Rouseabout is here!
I am not a reader – I have only ever read four books from front to back and three of them have been written by Rachael Treasure.
I have recently finished the Rouseabout – like Jillaroo and The Stockman I simply couldn’t put it down, I had it read in about 4-5 sessions.
I really relate to her books because as a person involved in the rural industry I understand and can often relate to the characters.
The topics covered in her books are real issues faced by rural people – loneliness and isolation; rural health; family battles over who gets the farm; generational agreements; and individuals competing for land with the tree companies.
Rachael’s enthusiasm and passion for our industry is contagious. Rural Connections is privileged to have clients such as Rachael Treasure who are prepared to stand loud and proud to ensure these issues are heard.