The first of its type in Australia, Cultivate Farms aims to establish crowdfunded farms to give people a foothold in the industry.

Cultivate Farms founder Tim Hicks said young families were increasingly locked out of regional Australia because of high land prices and little access to capital.

“Under this model families could own a fully operational and commercial farm in their 20s, rather than their 50s or 60s,” Mr Hicks said.

Cultivate Farms would connect a young farming family with a handful of investors to own the farm together. The family receives a wage and makes the call on the operations.

Cultivate Farms managing director Sam Marwood said the concept was based on French enterprise Terre de Liens, which had secured 120 farms through investment and donations from people who wanted regional communities to thrive.

“We want to match farms, farmers and investors; we also want to support young farmers through marketing advice, access to agronomists and community support,” he said.

Mr Hicks and his wife Tegan, who hail from Berrigan and Howlong, founded their paddock to plate business, Hicks Country Beef, in 2013.

They run about 50 cows and calves on leased lots at Albury, Jindera and Table Top, selling their 100 per cent grass-fed, dry aged for tenderness and flavour, beef direct to customers.

“We’re building a brand at the moment but the dream is to have our own farm,” Mrs Hicks said.

Mr Marwood, who grew up at Dingee and spent 10 years in natural resource management, said Hicks Country Beef was a sustainably-run business model.

“We would love to chat to anyone who has the same passion to rejuvenate regional Australia, especially farmers who are looking for an innovative succession option, aspiring young farming families and community groups seeking to rejuvenate their communities.” 

Details: Tim on 0408 442 579 or Sam on 0408 356 042.