The fourth-generation farmer said the South Australia border closure was affecting farm supply chains.

"All the employees who work on my pig farm live in SA ... so last Friday we were at risk of having no one to look after the pigs," he said.

"We are lobbying the SA government to revert back to the system they previously had for cross-border residents.

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"We have had to change how we order farm merchandise and veterinary supplies."

Mr Hawkins is the director of pork, meat and wool businesses and has established a 5000-head outdoor pig farm in the Wimmera, to service an Australian-owned pork supplier.

"I have always run my own businesses ... I started out as a baling contractor," he said.

"I hope to encourage more young people to get involved with agriculture and get kids to come back to the farm after their education.

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"I also want to encourage people outside of the industry to come into agriculture.

"It is important we try and set up the sustainability of the industry going forward and get more employment to the region."

Mr Hawkins said he was focused on providing more network services to regional farmers.

"Given the remote nature of the industry we need to have access to services ... whether its schools, hospital, health care and sport," he said.

"Another big hurdle is the cost of entry for young farmers if they want to own land. It's important enthusiastic farmers have access to that opportunity."

IN OTHER NEWS:

The Young Farmers Advisory Council provides strategic advice to government on issues that impact young people working in agriculture.

On Thursday, council members had their first official meeting through video conference and discussed the impacts the coronavirus pandemic had on the agricultural workforce and supply chains.

"It was good to meet the other members and chat about the things we want to do going forward," Mr Hawkins said.

"We will be doing more virtual meetings in the future due to the coronavirus restrictions, which is a positive because we are all from remote areas and different parts of the state."

WINTER IN THE WIMMERA:

Western District beef farmer Dr Sarah McLean will lead the council as chair for the next three years, joined by Mallee grain grower and farm manager Clay Gowers as deputy chair.

Other members include East Gippsland meat and wool producer Nicholas Blandford; Central Victorian organic dairy goat milker and cheesemaker Sophia Christoe; Gippsland dairy farmer Jessica Knight; Northern Victorian orchard manager Mitchell McNab; Sunraysia table grape grower Jennifer Zappia; and Sale-based agribusiness professional Joseph Boyle.

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch - taylor.padfield@austcommunitymedia.com.au.

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