The Goroke Agricultural & Pastoral Society, in partnership with Janmac Studs, invites farmers, families and community members to the 2025 Community Farm Forum; a free, all-in event bringing together great people, great stories and real insights.
Now in its third year, the Community Farm Forum will be held on Friday 15th August from 11.30am at the Goroke Community Complex.
After the success of previous years, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better, with a powerful speaker line-up, laughs, lunch and local connection at its core.
Key speaker Jack Owen is a Western Victorian sheep farmer and author of You Are Not Your Farm.
Jack’s talk reflects on his own experience of returning to the farm, chasing success and eventually discovering the importance of separating identity from output.
His book, based on conversations with more than 250 farmers and business owners, explores what truly drives happiness and fulfilment on the land.
“I was doing everything I thought I should, working long days, pushing for results, but still felt unsatisfied,” says Jack. “Through talking to others, I learned it wasn’t about the numbers. It was about mindset, meaning and asking better questions.”
Following Jack, Simon Falkiner, Falkiner Ag, brings decades of experience in soil health, sustainability and over 30 years in both beef and sheep livestock genetics. He is also known for his work pioneering raised bed cropping and subsoil amelioration in South-West Victoria, Simon is also manager of the well-known Murdeduke Angus Stud in Winchelsea, and a current Board Member of Angus Australia. His session will dig into the latest thinking around productivity, soil structure and matching animal performance to the landscape.
Next up, Jeremy White, Senior Markets Manager from National Australia Bank, will share his outlook on interest rates, commodities and how farmers across Western Victoria can manage market volatility. With a background in both financial markets and corporate farming, Jeremy brings practical, no-nonsense advice that speaks directly to local businesses.
To round out the day, comedian Brett Hunter, Ambassador for the Let’s Get Rural social connection project, will bring the laughs. Known for his raw, spontaneous and wildly entertaining sets, Brett uses humour to break down barriers and bring people together. His performances are as heartfelt as they are hilarious, exactly the right tone to finish the day.
“We’re thrilled with the calibre of speakers again this year,” says event host Grant Hausler. “There’s something for everyone, it’s a great chance to catch up and enjoy a genuine community event’.
“Bring a mate, bring your neighbour, or just bring yourself; everyone is welcome”
The organisers would also like to acknowledge the generous funding grant of $2500 this event has received from the Look Over the Farm Gate Community Grant is provided by the National Centre for Farmer Health under the Victorian Government’s 2025 Drought Support Package.
“Thrilled to have the National Centre for Farmer Health support as we grow this annual community event” added Grant.
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Event Details: – Friday 15th August 2025, From 11.30am
Goroke Community Complex, Goroke Victoria
Free Entry | Light lunch & refreshments provided. Drinks available to purchase
