Roger Tyshing on Freer Farm advisory committee

Our Tasmanian Education and Training Adviser, Roger Tyshing, has been invited to join the advisory committee of Freer Farm, an actual working farm used by the Tasmanian Polytechnic to give hands-on training to agriculture students. This demonstrates the valuable contributions ETAs are making to similar rural industry training organisations across all states and territories.

The Freer Farm Advisory Committee comprises individual farm business operators, and representatives from the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment (DPIPWE), DairyTas, the Tasmanian Polytechnic and Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA). As part of the close working partnership Roger has with TFGA, he is liaising closely with TFGA to ensure their views are represented and that they are kept informed of the committee's progress and achievements.

Chris Barnard (Cert III student) spreading fertiliser at Freer Farm 

About Freer Farm

Freer Farm was purchased in 1988 by some visionary local farmers for the Tasmanian Polytechnic (formerly Tasmanian TAFE)  to train students in agriculture and conservation and land management. Situated in an idyllic location on the outskirts of Burnie on Tasmania's north west coast, it has rolling green hills, some bushland, two creeks and dams.

The farm is well established with stock yards, equipment, machinery, tractors, sheds, traveling irrigation and classrooms. Its size has been reduced to around 150 hectares and it runs up to 100 Angus beef cattle and 100 ewes. It also provides opportunities for students to learn about cropping. More recently poppies and potatoes have been added.

One key objective of Freer Farm's strategic plan is to create an environment where the farm is self-sustaining, or at least cost neutral, above and beyond learning outcomes within five years.

 Hayden Franklin (Cert I student) attaches a plough

Many other community groups use the facilities at Freer Farm, including conservation and land management students, groups replanting waterways, horticulture students, landscaping and community services groups, and students who run community gardens.

Fire services and other training organisations also use the farm for training staff in the use of all-terrain vehicles, chainsaws and forklifts.

Freer Farm at the Tasmanian Polytechnic will continue to have an important and valuable supporting role for the future of Tasmania's agriculture industry.