Finalists announced for the 2016 NSW Farmer of the Year award

27 Oct 2016

NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair, and President of NSW Farmers, Derek Schoen have today announced the four finalists for the 2016 NSW Farmer of the Year Award.

Mr Blair said the finalists are leaders in their fields, who have demonstrated excellence in farming.

“The state’s $12 billion primary industries are in good hands, reflected by the high calibre of finalists we have in this year’s competition,” Mr Blair said.

The 2016 finalists include:

• Nick Arena, who operates Tailor Made Fish Farm on 43 acres at Bobs Farm. They grow tropical barramundi species and produce hydroponic fancy lettuce, basil, parsley, buk choy and spinach. The enterprise also houses an on-site restaurant named Cook-a-Barra.
• Casey Cooper, who operates Coopers Bees at Tingha. A successful apiarist managing well-bred, healthy, strong and robust bees for honey production, Queen bee rearing and AI services. They also provide apiary by-products including pollination services and beeswax sales.
• Peter Matuszny, who operates Manning Valley Free Range Eggs situated at Taree. The enterprise consists of seven farms in the Manning Valley that produce free range eggs to supply over 700 supermarkets and local independent stores. The enterprise also breeds and fattens 400 beef cattle.
• Jock Nivison, who operates ‘Yalgoo’ a beef and sheep enterprise situated on 2941 hectares at Walcha. The operation includes; commercial fine wool merinos, seedstock merino, seedstock beef, commercial beef, a seedstock merino enterprise in Tasmania and the opportunity for dual purpose flocks.

Mr Schoen said the finalists are great ambassadors for the agriculture industry.

“The Award acknowledges their achievements and determination to excel in their farming operations,” Mr Schoen said.

“They are driving innovation in efficient agriculture practices, strengthening biosecurity and utilising new research and technology to improve the profitability of their farming businesses.”

The winner of the 2016 Farmer of the Year will receive $10,000 and finalists will each receive $2,000. The Award is an initiative of NSW Farmers and NSW Department of Primary Industries, with support from The Land and SafeWork NSW.

Media contact: Lucy Brennan (Minister Blair) 0427 083 646 and Kathleen Curry (NSW Farmers) 0429 011 690