ACCORDING to the National Farmers’ Federation, Australia’s 140,000 farmers produce 93 per cent of its domestic food supply, directly employ 318,000 people and support 1.6million jobs. 
As we move further into the 21st century, the modern farmer is moving forward in his farming practise, addressing grain marketing pressures and on-farm storage.
Farmers will face issues unheard of to their forebears; with the impact of climate change possibly one of the greatest, as drier conditions may become the norm not the exception.
There has been an exodus of young people leaving the land to study and gain employment, many never returning, putting farming heritage at risk, and threatening the sustainability of rural communities.
For the full report, see the print issue of this week's YP Country Times.