|
Saturday, 22 July 2006
Forbes lucerne producer Gary Johnston was named NSW Farmer of
the Year at a ceremony at the NSW Farmers' Association annual
conference on Wednesday night.
Mr Johnston was one of three finalists for the Farmer of the
Year honour for agricultural excellence at his mixed irrigation
enterprise, 'Merriment', situated on Willawang Road, about 40km
west of Forbes.
The Farmer and Young Farmer of the Year awards were initiated
by the NSW Farmers' Association and the NSW Government to
recognise farmers who combine sustainability with profitability.
The Land newspaper and Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) also
supported the event, which was held in conjunction with rural
media awards at the RAS function centre at Homebush.
The judging panel settled on Mr Johnston as the winner due to
on-farm initiatives like the planting of 15,000 trees and
irrigation efficiency on the lucerne, cattle and lamb property.
The award also recognised his market-driven approach to the
production of lucerne and other crops including vegetables,
oilseeds and cereals.
The quality of ‘Merriment' lucerne allowed him to establish a
line of natural fertiliser and garden mulch products, while also
marketing it as a premier livestock feed.
Mr Johnston said the award was an honour for he and wife
Rosie, but also staff, advisors and contractors from the
district.
"We were delighted to win, we felt it was a real achievement
for us and it really showcases the Forbes area, and particularly
Jemalong Irrigation, to win in a tough time with very little
available irrigation water," he said.
Mr Johnston said Jemalong Irrigation staff deserved credit
for improvements in irrigation efficiency on his property,
developing two high-volume outlets capable of irrigating 100
hectares per day.
"Our win was helped enormously by my staff, Peter Bolam,
Vince Kirk and Julie Meek, my advisors like agronomist Graham
Falconer and livestock agent John Martin and all the Forbes
region contractors who have supplied their services over the
years.
"They have all played a role in our success."
Mr Johnston said his win also highlighted Forbes as a premier
mixed irrigation area, noted for livestock production and
finishing.
"All the judges commented on the high quality of land in the
district and I think this will raise the profile of the Forbes
area," he said.
Greg Miller, the manager of Millers Turf Supplies at Windsor,
took out the Young Farmer of the Year award for his innovative
approach to the growing and marketing of a wide range of turf
varieties.
About 500 people attended the awards presentation, chaired by
NSW Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald and NSW
Farmers' Association President Jock Laurie.
The minister praised the high quality of the winners and
finalists.
"Tonight's winners - and indeed all of the finalists - embody
the principles of successful farming particularly in the face of
this difficult drought," Mr Macdonald said.
"Both Gary and Greg are striving to get the best out of their
natural resources and have placed a strong emphasis on water
management and soil health," he said.
Forbes Advocate
|