Impacting the next generation of farmers starts with creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. By supporting practical education in rural Australia, we can help young people gain valuable experiences, build lasting connections and develop the skills that will help shape the future of our farming communities.
An example of this is Aussie Helpers donation to the Hermidale Future Farmers Cropping Immersion Project, a three year project that provided students with valuable educational, cultural, and agricultural experiences while strengthening local and educational connections within the community and delivering a hands-on approach to learning.
As part of the partnership, Aussie Helpers attended Hermidale Public School to speak with students about the Aussie Helpers organisation, donations and the volunteering that occurs to support rural communities. Staff also attended a community afternoon in the paddock, where they were able to connect with local farmers and community members while gaining a deeper understanding of the people and communities Aussie Helpers exists to support.
The partnership continued at the Nyngan Ag Expo, where staff hosted an Aussie Helpers stand alongside the Hermidale Future Farmers stand. This provided another opportunity for collaboration, support and community engagement, while helping raise awareness of the project and the opportunities it was creating for local students. During this time, Aussie Helpers also continued to engage with Hermidale Public School through the Brekkie in a Bag program, supporting students and their families through another important community initiative.
The project won the Royal Agricultural Society Award for School-Based Innovation in Agriculture and was presented at the Primary Industries Education Foundation Food and Fibre Conference.
The funding provided by Aussie Helpers in 2022 helped support educational and cultural experiences, including travel to the Northern Territory, Newcastle, Sydney, and the far south coast of New South Wales. Alongside these experiences, students increased their knowledge of farming, sustainable land management and the environmental challenges facing the agricultural sector. Through a hands-on approach to learning, the project engaged students in agriculture, cultural and sporting opportunities while broadening their understanding of the many pathways available within rural and regional Australia and helping inspire the next generation of broadacre crop farmers.
Looking back in 2026, the success of the Hermidale Future Farmers Project demonstrates the lasting value of investing in practical education and community connections. From classroom learning and community engagement to agricultural, cultural and sporting opportunities, the project delivered experiences that will stay with students for years to come. The recognition received through the Royal Agricultural Society Award and the Food and Fibre Conference further highlights the positive impact the project has had on students, families and the future generation of farmers.
