Present:    R.Masters  N& J.Rogers, B. Radcliffe, G. Hogg,, ,  A. Heslop                       


Apologies:    A.Downes M.O'Shea R. Nethercote Bill Edgerton
 

Minutes :      It was resolved  that the minutes of Monday Nov 5th be confirmed as a true and correct record.   

Business Arising;  Albert reported that the issues raised had been followed up with Bill Edgerton. A detailed flow chart of progress was available. Generally members in the Kerang area were larger, more committed and enthusiastic.  He now has 32 involved. Bill had been delayed off shore, but was arriving home tonight. He will follow up next week.
Correspondence In AFIA newsletter Jan 2002.
      Kinnears Wrap and twine leaflets.
Kinnears  Twine talk.
Edgerton  Progress report
Jo Postlethwaite  General IT and course development..    
Correspondence Out.
  Newsletter  December 2001
  A letter from Joanne to AFIA outlining aspects of the dream of the Mid Murray industry.
        It was resolved that correspondence out be ratified, and inwards be received.
Treasurers Report: Details attached.  Bank Balance Dec 31^st    $3056.93
  It was reported that outstanding accounts amounted to approximately $600 being largely covers and materials related to the diaries.
        Resolved that the treasurer's report be received  and Robert Masters become a signatory instead of Laurie Hocking..
Reports: Gaby reported on the I.Training developments and on the continuing efforts long with Joanne Postlethwaite. There was general concern that Jo was going rather too fast for the group and was drifting from the general aim of developing membership.

Chairman Robert drew attention to the years priority of increasing membership. We wanted to take some of the emphasis off Q.A as some were frightened off membership by it. We also wanted to involve women on farms in I.T and computer training possibly by initially using home based family or district based programs initially. This is seen as a softly softlystep toward getting membership.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the production industry is shifting toward the Kerang end. Some larger growers have left the industry North of Swan Hill. Most of the remaining growers are hobby farmers and difficult to get involved.

Gaby is to speak with Jo. Generally it was felt that (1) the courses were too concentrated and too early in the year. (2) that they were more applicable to the Kerang end than Swan Hill. (3) that clarification was needed on content and cost.(4) that it was necessary to confirm those taking part by getting money up front. (5) that money should be paid directly without going through Mid Murray Lucerne account.(6) That the Swan Hill course should be deferred  and concentrate on Kerang even if necessary for some from Swan Hill to travel if keen. (7) That the offer of Reg Packer should be used to assist every participant rather than a couple of individuals.

Gaby and Brett were still looking for some answers in the Q.A. progress
There were some concerns expressed about follow up of Q.A. Has every-one who should have a manual got one?