Farmer Assist program now available for primary producers dealing with pests

Tasmanian landholders dealing with increasing pressure from wild deer, wallabies and other pest animals now have access to an additional practical management tool, with the promotion of the Farmer Assist program officially launched this month. 

The initiative is being delivered through a partnership between the Tasmanian government and the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia.

The program is designed to help connect landholders with registered, accredited volunteer shooters who can assist with wildlife and pest animal management on private property. 

The service is free for landholders and provides a structured system for managing requests for assistance while ensuring farmers remain fully in control of who accesses their property and under what conditions.

Tasmania’s growing wild deer population, along with ongoing wallaby and browsing animal impacts, continues to place significant pressure on many farming operations. Pasture loss, crop damage, fence destruction and reduced productivity are increasingly common concerns across rural areas.

State Primary Industries and Water Minister Gavin Pearce recently described the initiative as “an important new tool in the toolbox” for landholders dealing with wildlife impacts.

Importantly, Farmer Assist is not designed to replace existing relationships between farmers and local shooters. Instead, it provides another pathway for landholders who may not already have access to reliable assistance or who require additional support during periods of increased wildlife pressure.

The system allows landholders to: register for the program online 24/7; outline the wildlife issues they are experiencing; specify timing, access conditions and requirements; review applications from volunteers; and choose who they wish to work with.

Unlike informal arrangements, the platform provides a clearer and more accountable process for both landholders and volunteers.

One of the key features is that volunteers participating through Farmer Assist are required to meet accreditation requirements and follow a code of practice focused on safety, ethics and animal welfare standards. The program also includes insurance coverage for participating volunteers.

The promotion launch also comes as Farmer Assist expands beyond being simply a connection platform. Through its integration with the SSAA Activity Log system, the program is increasingly focused on structured wildlife management and data collection. This allows pest management activities to contribute toward broader understanding of wildlife pressure, volunteer effort and regional impacts.

For many landholders, one of the biggest advantages is flexibility. Some may only need occasional help, while others may seek longer-term support as part of ongoing wildlife management programs.

TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said browsing wildlife and feral species were identified by members as one of the biggest issues requiring support over the coming year.

Farmer Assist is available statewide to support landholders dealing with wallabies, deer and other pest animal issues.

For more information or to register visit Farmer Assist.