A grazier and dryland cropping farmer from Walgett, a livestock and pasture cropping couple from Cobar and an egg producing couple from Tamworth have been named as finalists in this year’s Farmer of the Year Awards.

In addition, a stud cattle and fodder producer from Dorrigo and a commercial and stud cattle producing couple from Trangie have been named as finalists in the Young Farmer of the Year Awards.

Those farmers in the running for the prestigious title of NSW Farmer of the Year are:

• Michael O’Brien, who runs a mixed angus cattle and dohne sheep enterprise, with dryland cropping on farming properties south of Walgett;
• Andrew and Megan Mosely, who run a livestock enterprise featuring a white dorper stud, Santa Gertrudis/shorthorn cross cows and boer goats west of Cobar; and
• Bede and Narelle Burke, who operate a caged egg production along with winter and summer cropping, beef cattle, prime lambs and opportunity feedlotting on their property at Tamworth.

Finalists for Young Farmer of the Year are:

• David Gibson, who runs a mixed farming operation including breeding angus cattle, running a fodder conservation business and a contracting enterprise at Dorrigo; and
• Stephen and Amity Chase, who run commercial and stud angus herds and produce winter crops on their family property south west of Trangie.

NSW Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said the judges faced the difficult task of selecting finalists from an extremely competitive field.

"Our finalists represent a diverse range of farming enterprises, but share a strong commitment to achieving profitability and sustainability in light of current challenges," Minister Macdonald said.

NSW Farmers’ Association President Jock Laurie said the finalists were selected for their ability to demonstrate innovation, business management and involvement in their industry and communities.

"One of our challenges is to select farmers who are not only demonstrating excellence in agricultural production, but who are also sharing this knowledge with others and acting as leaders in their fields," Mr Laurie said.

The Award winners will be announced at the NSW Farmers’ Association Annual Conference dinner on Wednesday 29 July.

The successful Farmer of the Year Award recipient will be awarded $10,000, while the Young Farmer of the Year will receive $5,000.

The annual Awards are coordinated by the Association and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, with support from The Land and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.

Media contact: Trudy Glasgow 0427 217 354