The Grant District Council is supporting local primary producers feeling the pinch of the dry conditions by hosting Yarns over the Yardrails at the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards.


Set for Wednesday, July 30, the event is a chance for those working on the land to connect, share a meal and talk through strategies for getting through the dry season together.


Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said the initiative is a Connecting Communities Event hosted by council and sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions under the Family and Business Support Program as part of the State Government’s $73m drought support package.


“We understand many of our farmers are feeling the impacts of this extended dry period,” she said.


“Yarns over the Yardrails is about creating a relaxed and supportive space to talk and listen to others who understand life and its challenges on the land.


“This event is not only about sharing important information but it’s also about creating connection and making sure those involved in agriculture know support is there when needed. Sometimes just having a yarn and hearing from others going through the same thing can make a big difference.”


The day’s conversations will cover a range of practical topics from people with farming experience, including:


• Pasture production: Agronomist Rick Jordan will share how to best make use of recent rainfall and prepare paddocks for the season ahead;


• Managing livestock: Veterinarian Andrew Hoare will talk through how to keep beef cattle in good nick and stretch feed further;


• Drought response support: Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) representatives will outline what help is out there from the State Government for farmers doing it tough in the dry; and


• Looking after your biggest asset – you: Heather Ellis from BlueWren Connections will share a few stories from her Social Value of Saleyards research and why the yards matter.


In 2022, BlueWren Connections assisted the Australian Livestock Markets Association to conduct a research project, the Social Value of Saleyards, exploring the vital role saleyard facilities have in supporting wellbeing and social connection in rural communities across Australia.


Former primary producer of 30 years and BlueWren Connections Founder Heather Ellis said a key theme from the study is that participants felt a strong sense of belonging and connection to the saleyard community.


“What we found is the yards are more than just a place to sell stock,” Mrs Ellis said.


“They’re a classroom, a support network and a community hub all rolled into one. In South Australia, 76% of people said they come for the networking and on-the-ground learning, that kind of connection keeps our rural communities strong.


“This Yarns over the Yardrails event is not a lecture about mental health, it’s a good, honest yarn about what keeps us steady when things get tough. We all need a few tools in the kit to look after ourselves and each other.”


Small landholders, big producers, livestock transporters, agents and anyone in between are invited to come together at the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards between 10.30am and 1.30pm for a free feed and to stay for a yarn.


Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven highlighted the importance of grassroots events for bringing communities together when it matters most.


“Connecting with others during challenging times is hugely important,” she said.


“That’s why the State Government is proud to support initiatives such as the Yarns over Yardrails event to encourage those impacted by the drought to come together, share experiences and reinforce support for each other.


“I encourage attendees to reach out to the PIRSA representatives who will be at the event, who can talk you through the range of assistance measures available through the $73m Drought Support Package.”


RSVPs are encouraged for catering purposes. Contact the council’s Community Development team on (08) 8738 3000 or info@dcgrant.sa.gov.au


Visit the council’s website to find the full Yarns over the Yardrails schedule at www.dcgrant.sa.gov.au/services/saleyards