2019 NSW Farmer Of The Year winner

Chris is a third generation mixed enterprise farmer based in Wallendbeen with his wife Lee specialising in growing and packing export quality premium cherries as well as cross breed sheep, Angus cattle, cereal and mixed species cover crops.

A self described environmentalist and innovator, Chris’s ethos is to partner with nature rather than controlling it, an approach that has now enabled him to farm pesticide and herbicide free for more than two years.

Other key achievements have been fencing off waterways to improve water running through the property and mass planting of various native trees. His holistic practices are reaping results with significant increases in yield as well as in soil quality, water retention and evaporation loss.

His efforts and expertise have already been honoured in being awarded the 2019 National Carbon Cocky Award for demonstrated improvement in carbon management in horticulture or viticulture.

With a degree in Horticultural Science, Chris has continually sought out further educational opportunities through various programs and certifications, he also shares his knowledge with the next generation of farmers, hosting on farm experiences for high school agriculture students and their teachers for more than 15 years.

In addition he supports and educates via his local Landcare groups and has a strong commitment to supporting local employment through a smart workforce initiative that employs students of local families, providing them with guaranteed employment while they pursue further education.