Final call for Farmer of the Year award nominations

Applicants for the 2012 NSW Farmer of the Year Award are encouraged to get their nominations in now before entries close next week – with the deadline for applications now extended to Friday 5 October.

The annual award recognises the best farmers in NSW, focussing on their agricultural management skills, their use of innovation, profitability, environmental sustainability and community involvement.

Judging panel chair Marie Russell said the judges are looking for farmers who have put the best strategies in place to manage their land and enterprise profitably and sustainably – and each year the competition is strong.

“We want to see applications from farmers across a range of enterprises who are passionate about their industry,” she said.

“The Award aims to celebrate both farmer achievements and resilience of agricultural industries in NSW – and also enables us to showcase the incredible talents of our State’s producers to the wider community.”

Fourth generation Merino producer from Wellington Norm Smith, winner of the 2011 NSW Farmer of the Year title, has described the Award as a rewarding experience.

The Award is an initiative of the NSW Farmers’ Association and NSW Department of Primary Industries, with support from The Land and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.

The Farmer of the Year wins a cash prize of $5000 plus joins an overseas farming related tour group for the trip of a lifetime.

Application forms are available at www.nswfarmers.org.au or at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au, and entries close Friday 5 October 2012.

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