Introducing Valley Farmers
Agriculture in Central Gippsland has spring in its step with the launch of a new farming group called Valley Farmers. The group is farmer-led and works to the three strategic pillars of fostering the farming community, promoting on-farm productivity and promoting agricultural careers.
Having noticed that farmers in other regions of Gippsland had self-organised to create successful farming bodies, Matt Lloyd, Beef Farmer from Yinnar thought the timing right for the farmers of central Gippsland to follow their precedent. Each meeting continues to attract more farmers and interest from the media, industry and government. Local farming families are clearly interested in connecting with their peers and tapping into the latest industry developments.
Valley Farmers’ Bonfire & Tree Talk evening held in August 2025.
Being involved with Valley Farmers events is simple. You just need to have an interest in agriculture. It doesn’t matter whether you’re from a multi-generational farming family, town or a hobby block, knowledge level or business maturity - there are a range of events to suit you.
Valley Farmers aims to coexist and minimise overlap with existing farming groups. Commodity-specific initiatives such as GippsDairy and the Better Beef networks deliver an important specialist capability; similarly with advocacy and policy groups such as farming unions and other advocacy groups. Agriculture faces many challenges that need representation and this is needs good representation by those existing specialist farming bodies. Valley Farmers will maintain it’s focus on productivity, community and careers.
Farming communities have always come together in times of need and unity is what the farming community needs right now. This is no better exemplified than the willingness of individuals and agriculture groups to offer Valley Farmers help. Many people of all backgrounds reach out with ideas on farm innovations, funding opportunities from Council, and other community groups wanting to co-host events.
One Valley Farmers partnership that is particularly exciting is developing with Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG). Earlier this year, a Valley Farmers delegation consisting of Matt Lloyd, Stewart Cluning and Donna Lawless met with the GAgG General Manager, Jen Smith learn more about their operations and tour the facilities. Watch this space for more news as this partnership develops into 2026.
Trial plots at the Gippsland Research Farm in Bairnsdale, Victoria.
As we come to the end of another year, there’s big potential for Valley Farmers and it's direction. There’s much work to be done behind the scenes in refining the vision, scope, operations and funding. We look forward to sharing more news with you as this develops.
