At Farmer Assist, we understand that allowing someone onto your property is an important decision. While Farmer Assist helps connect landholders with registered volunteers, many farmers prefer to speak directly with prospective volunteers before confirming access arrangements.

Using video meeting platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams can provide a simple and effective way to meet volunteers remotely before any property visit takes place.

Why Use Video Meetings?

A short online meeting can help landholders:

• Put a face to a name before granting access
• Discuss property expectations and conditions
• Explain pest animal issues and target species
• Clarify access points, safety requirements and preferred methods
• Assess whether the volunteer is the right fit for the property
• Build confidence and trust before any field activity occurs

For volunteers, it also provides an opportunity to better understand the property, expectations and any specific requirements before attending.

Benefits for Landholders

Improved Confidence

Meeting volunteers online beforehand can help you feel more comfortable about who will be attending your property.

Better Communication

A quick conversation can avoid misunderstandings and help ensure everyone is on the same page regarding:

• Access arrangements
• Safety requirements
• Biosecurity considerations
• Firearm use expectations
• Target species and control priorities
• Property rules and boundaries

Save Time

Video meetings can reduce unnecessary travel and allow both parties to determine suitability before arranging a visit.

Flexible and Convenient

Zoom and Teams meetings can be conducted from:

• Home
• Office
• Mobile phone
• Tablet
• Farm vehicle (where safe and practical)

Even a short 10–15 minute discussion can provide valuable reassurance.

Suggested Topics to Discuss

Landholders may wish to discuss:

• The pest animal problems being experienced
• Areas of the property requiring attention
• Preferred hunting methods
• Times and dates access may be suitable
• Whether overnight stays are permitted
• Vehicle access conditions
• Livestock locations and operational activities
• Safety procedures and emergency contacts
• Expectations around reporting results

Volunteers may also wish to explain:

• Their experience
• Equipment used
• Availability
• Previous Farmer Assist involvement
• How they approach safety and property respect

Tips for a Successful Online Meeting

Keep It Simple

You do not need advanced computer skills. Most meetings can be joined using a simple web link sent by email or text message.

Choose a Quiet Location

Good audio helps communication flow more effectively.

Prepare Questions

Having a list of topics ready can help ensure important details are covered.

Take Your Time

There is no obligation to proceed with any volunteer arrangement if you are not comfortable.

Property Access Remains Your Decision

Farmer Assist helps facilitate connections between landholders and volunteers, however all decisions regarding:

• Property access
• Volunteer selection
• Timing
• Conditions of entry
• Approval arrangements

remain entirely under the control of the landholder.

Using tools such as Zoom or Teams simply provides another option to help landholders make informed decisions before approving access.

Combining Online Meetings with Farmer Assist

Many landholders may choose to:

1. Receive volunteer applications through Farmer Assist
2. Shortlist suitable volunteers
3. Arrange a brief online meeting
4. Confirm expectations and suitability
5. Approve access arrangements

This approach can help improve communication, professionalism and confidence for everyone involved.

Need Assistance?

If you require help using online meeting platforms or have questions about the Farmer Assist Program, please contact the Farmer Assist team