Resource Care Groups

Who belongs to these groups?

Farming families often form the nucleus of Resource Care Groups, but ideally the wider community and other landowners also participate.  Examples are:

• farmers with similar land types
• farmers with similar farming systems
• communities along streams and rivers
• landowners in an area affected by animal or plant pests

What does a group do?

There is no model or recipe to follow. Topics are whatever is important and interesting to the group. They are usually related to farming successfully while protecting the environment.

Examples are:

• performance monitoring to improve profitability
• crop residue management
• disposal of surplus chemicals and containers
• planting slip-prone areas
• farm forestry
• improving soil structure and crop yields
• controlling weeds and pests
• restoring and protecting native vegetation

How big should a group be?

• It doesn't matter.
• Groups can be as small as six to eight - or as many as 80 families.

How is a group formed?

A steering committee of six to eight people meets, usually with a facilitator, and convenes a meeting or a field day to invite and interest potential members.

Foundation meeting
If the community decides to start a group, a committee is formed, and a process organised to identify the topics. Suitable action groups and a programme can then be decided on.

Group structure
Most groups have a management committee of six to eight people Action groups dealing with specific topics are made up of those who want to be involved. This means jobs get done quickly with a minimum of meetings.

Benefits of belonging to a Group

• Involvement in interesting topics that will benefit you.
• Access to expertise on a range of subjects from scientists and technical specialists.
• Contact with people with different ideas, knowledge and experience.
• Chance to learn about different things, or see familiar topics in a new way.
• Opportunity to find out what sustainability is all about.
• Forum for discussion with district and regional councils, and policy matters.

Key to success of a group

• Make sure everyone contributes top the discussion.
• Investigate topics you are interested in, and that will be of benefit to you.
• Choose topics that will have a quick and worthwhile result.
• Make full use of member's expertise.
• Involve families.
• Have a wide range of interests involved in the group.