NSW Farmer & Young Farmer of the Year

 About the awards

The NSW Farmer of the Year and NSW Young Farmer of the Year Awards are designed to recognise excellence in farming within NSW. A joint initiative by NSW Farmers’ Association and NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), and supported by the royal Agricultural Society and the Land, the awards have a particular focus on acknowledging farmers who combine sustainable environment practices with profitable production.

To further develop and improve their farming enterprise:

Farmer of the Year will be awarded $10,000
Young Farmer of the Year will be awarded $5,000

The awards were presented at the NSW Farmers’ Association Annual Conference dinner held on July 18, 2007.
 

 Farmer of the Year 2007

Rob Sinnamon

Rob Sinnamon moved to cattle property Yugilbar Station near Casino with wife Lorraine and son Andrew to take up the Manager’s role in 2002. One of the oldest Santa Gertrudis studs in Australia, Rob’s focus has been improving herd productivity and identifying market opportunities. He has developed additional cropping country, and initiated sustainability initiatives weed control and water management systems. The 35,000 acre property is also a flora and fauna reserve. Rob manages a team of 18 staff, and is actively involved in cattle industry groups. His message to other farmers is to maintain your goals in spite of challenges such as drought, and communicate clearly with everyone involved in the farm’s business.

Stuart Larsson – Finalist

Stuart is a third generation farmer at ‘Pine Hills’ at Mallanganee west of Casino. Traditionally a cattle and dairy farm, Stuart diversified into seeds in the 1970’s, establishing Mara Seeds. Today his focus is on organic soybean production under the brand SOFT – Sustainable Organic Farming Techniques. Together with his wife Katina and son Ross, Stuart oversees a staff of 12, with soy products going to domestic and Korean markets. Beef is also produced for a major national supermarket, and seeds still sold domestically and for export. Compost produced on farm has resulted in marked improvement to soil health and water usaget. He believes today’s farmers should consider alternative production methods to help achieve profitability and market opportunities.

 
 Young Farmer of the Year 2007

Stuart Blake - Joint Winner

Stuart Blake manages a mixed livestock and cropping enterprise near Walcha, together with wife Alex, his brother and his wife, and his parents. Sheep and cattle are rotationally grazed, promoting continual groundcover that also helps make the most of available water. Stuart specialises in the running of an artificial breeding service, which he initially set up with his cousin Scott. Ewetec for sheep and Millbank Genetic Services for cattle today services a broad range of clients from throughout Australia, as well as a number of international clients. Embryos are collected from donors, then transferred either fresh or frozen to the Blake’s recipient animals. Stuart then either delivers pregnant recipients to the client’s or the resulting genetically valuable progeny at an agreed weight for age. Stuart is also involved in a partnership that has used genetics and embryo transfer expertise to produce the world’s finest bale of paddock grown wool. Stuart has gained experience internationally and exchanges the latest innovative ideas with industry colleagues. Drought management strategies including cell grazing, opportunity feedlots and tree plantings have helped Stuart and his family remain environmentally sustainable. Stuart’s community involvement includes Landcare, local shows, the local fire brigade and other industry networks. He believes young farmers need to be encouraged to ‘think outside the square’ and make the most of available opportunities.

Ben and Liarne Mannix – Joint Winners

Ben and Liarne Mannix manage an 18,000 hectare property Gumbooka north east of Bourke in the western division together with Ben’s parents Paul and Patricia. They also have a second property Corella, which is 16,000 hectares. Traditionally a merino sheep production, Ben and Liarne have diversified in recent years to focus more on goats and alternative meat sheep breeds such as dorpers and dohne sheep to better suit both the local environment and ongoing drought conditions. They also run some Hereford cattle. Ben and Liarne use the principles of Grazing for Profit and Holistic Resource Management in their farm management, and are also involved in a five-year Enterprise Based Conservation Program. Ben’s use of a gyrocopter has proved a practical use of new farming innovation, reducing muster time from several days to just a few hours – as well as an additional income source. Good communication and planned regular breaks including visits to other western division farmers has helped them cope with six years of drought. Ben and Liarne are very active community members and have actively supported young farmer forums in the western division. Their advice to other farmers is to stay well informed of new information, be positive and don’t be afraid to try new approaches to both productivity and sustainability.