First prize of $10,000 is again up for grabs for a NSW farmer that demonstrates the right mix of sustainable and profitable farming management skills, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald and NSW Farmer’s Association President Jock Laurie jointly announced today.

Organisers of the annual Farmer of the Year awards used the Beef Spectacular event at Dubbo to declare the 2008 awards officially open, which focus on farm profitability and environmental sustainability.

Minister Macdonald said judges would again be looking for innovative ways of coping with environment challenges, such as the ongoing drought.

"These awards play an important part in recognising the sustainable farming practices our farmers are using today - and how innovation is helping them stay profitable during tough times," Mr Macdonald said.

"Our judges know all too well how tough this drought has been, so they are looking for farmers that have put the best strategies in place."

NSW Farmers Association President Jock Laurie said the finalists played an important part in educating urban audiences about farmer’s contribution to primary industries production.

"What we are looking for are farmers that can share their approaches with their industry peers, and also act as ambassadors to the broader community," he said.

"There are some excellent results being achieved in the farming sector - we want as many people to apply as possible so we can celebrate these achievements."

Beef cattle stud manager from Baryulgil Rob Sinnamon, who won the 2007 title, was on hand for the awards launch and described the award as a rewarding experience.

Sheep and goat producers Ben and Liarne Mannix of ‘Gumbooka’, Bourke, and mixed grazing farmers who also run an artificial breeding service for sheep and cattle, Stuart and Alex Blake, of ‘Winterbourne’ at Walcha jointly took out the 2007 Young Farmer title.

The annual awards are coordinated by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW Farmers’ Association, and supported by Rural Press and the Royal Agricultural Society.

Media contact: Trudy Glasgow (for Minister Macdonald) 0427 217 354 or Amanda Barwick (for NSW Farmers’ Association) 0428 400 736