The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is celebrating 60 years of agricultural education at Tocal College, a site steeped in history, innovation and community.
On Saturday, September 6, NSW DPIRD is inviting alumni, staff, students and supporters to gather at the college campus to honour six decades of hands-on learning and agricultural excellence.
The event will feature guest speakers, a nostalgic farm tour, dinner and drinks, and live music by the fire pit all set against the backdrop of the historic Tocal Homestead and College buildings.
Established in 1965 with just 15 students, Tocal College has grown into one of Australia’s leading institutions for agricultural studies.
Tickets are now on sale. Whether you studied there, taught there, worked behind the scenes, or currently call it home, this is your invitation to come back, connect and raise a glass.
For more information and to purchase tickets, head to tinyurl.com/46uazhux
O’Keeffe: regional ag at risk
State Member for Northern Victoria Kim O’Keeffe has expressed deep concern at proposed job cuts within Agriculture Victoria and related government departments.
“Victoria’s agriculture sector underpins regional economies and communities, employing tens of thousands of people and supporting food security across the nation,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Agriculture Victoria has already lost over 190 positions that were removed over the last two years as part of broader cuts to regional services and operations.
“We are now looking at a further estimated 350 public sector jobs being cut.
“These reductions, combined with previously reported job losses and declining service capacity in areas including bushfire response and biosecurity, risk compounding pressures on agriculture’s resilience and the infrastructure that supports regional communities.”
Farm lending reaches $131b
Aggregate lending to the farm sector rose six per cent in 2023-24, according to the latest figures released by ABARES.
ABARES executive director Jared Greenville said the rise reflected ongoing capital investment and continued confidence in Australian agriculture.
“The aggregate value of outstanding loans increased from $123.6 billion at 30 June 2023 to $131.4 billion at 30 June 2024,” Dr Greenville said.
“However, while lending to the farm sector increased in all states and territories during 2023-24, the distribution of debt is spread unevenly across farms.
“In 2023-24, five per cent of broadacre and dairy farms accounted for 52 per cent of the aggregate value of loans in these two industries.”
The full report and dashboard are available on the ABARES website.
Seymour Expo 2026 dates
Mark April 17 to 19, 2026 in your calendars, because the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo is back.
Kings Park, Seymour will be host to a wide variety of exhibitors, stalls and demonstrations.
Exhibitor applications for the three-day event are now open.
For more information, head to seymourexpo.com.au
