"Life on the farm is kinda laid back" according to John Denver's classic tune – emphasis on the "kinda" as National Agriculture Day arrived on Friday 19 November 2021. 

For many in the industry it was just another hectic day in the paddock, shed or cab. 

The gift of another 'good season' has kept the wheels spinning across the western region and the partners, parents and playmates of the team here at the Western Plains App are still out toiling late on this slightly steamy Friday evening. 

So we thought we'd bring you some serious statistics (thanks to federal and state government figures) and a not-so-serious snapshot of life on the farm – courtesy of one family who frequently celebrates their laidback lifestyle by sharing their fresh take on farming via fun Instagram reels. 

First up, a few reminders of why farming of all kinds is important to everyone in Australia who likes to eat, drink and wear clothes. 

Despite "a challenging 12 months" featuring:  

• COVID-19 impacts that brought huge swings in consumer demand, supply chain constraints and labour supply issues; 
• extreme flooding events across coastal and some inland regions of NSW; 
• mice plagues which impacted many grain production and fodder stocks, as well as farm households; and 
• Increased trade tensions with China over the past 18 months, one of our largest trade partners, leading to trade impositions for Australian beef, barley, wine, cotton, rock lobsters and forestry products, 

the total value of Australian farm production came in at $68 billion in 2020-21 and is forecast to rise to $73 billion in 2021-22. 

That's a lot of food, beverages, clothing and carpets!



In most regional areas agriculture not only softened the national economic blow of the pandemic, the ongoing positivity in the sector helped open the gate to recovery.  

The NSW primary industries sector results for 2020-21 saw a record Gross Value of Production (GVP) of $17.6 billion, an increase of 41% on 2018-19 levels. 

There were considerable highlights across the sector including:  

• a record winter crop production with the gross value of the cropping sector reaching $8 billion,  
• the value of wheat produced rising 540% to $4 billion,  
• record beef prices with the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator reaching $9.72/kg/cwt and rising further after year end, and,  
• record primary industries exports exceeding $6.6 billion despite supply challenges for livestock industries. 

There are opportunities galore for people of all ages wanting to take up the invitation to join what the government is calling the great Agventure. 

Paraway Pastoral Co. operates 13 major farming properties throughout western NSW including its sheep, cattle and cropping properties Pier Pier and Urawilkie near Coonamble.  

CEO Harvey Gaynor said there has never been a better time for people to join the agricultural sector. 

“The agriculture industry has weathered COVID-19 remarkably well, and food and fibre are both experiencing continued growth across NSW, which means that jobs are plentiful,” Mr Gaynor explained. 

“Now is a great time to think about a career in agriculture, which offers opportunities for people with a wide range of technical and professional skills." 

It's a great time to be in agriculture. Just ask Stephanie Borowski