But now he is fencing fulltime and couldn't be happier.

Bryan is one of the many drought-affected farmers who have taken advantage of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority Drought Employment Program.

Since he began with the program more than 12 months ago, Bryan has been among a team of workers erecting fences on creeks and streams north of the Goulburn Valley.

Bryan said the initial motivation to take part in the program was financial, but it was the social interaction with other workers that had kept his interest in the program.

Bryan said it had had a huge impact on his life financially and mentally.

"I really enjoy the drought employment program because I can socially interact with other blokes, get away from the farm and I am getting money to provide for my farm and family," he said.

"I can't say how highly I enjoy working with the people I'm with.

"My wife said she's happy to see me enjoying going to work in the morning."

In Bryan's absence from the farm his wife Nora has taken over the reins.

Bryan gets the cows up in the morning before heading off to work and leaving Nora to the milking.

In the evening Bryan and Nora milk the cows together before Bryan feeds out the hay.

"There is still a lot of work to do on the farm . . . and my wife has been an enormous help in taking over the reins while I do the program," Bryan said.

The Fitzsimmons are in the process of rebuilding the herd and Bryan is hoping for a better season and improved prospects.

"With a favourable season we should get numbers back up," he said. "We're just hoping that will happen."

Bryan said he was keen to try out his new-found fencing skills on his own property.

"I'd certainly like to try my skills out on the farm," he said.

"There is no shortage of fencing to be done."

GBCMA Strategic River Health manager Wayne Tennant said additional positions were envisaged to start in March with the Highlands Landcare Group, DSE and City of Greater Shepparton coming on board.

For more information, phone Skilled Shepparton on 5831 8719.

rebecca.tampion@

sheppnews.com.au