2018 NSW Farmer of the Year finalists announced

16 Nov 2018

2018 NSW Farmer of the Year finalists Gavin and Karina Moore, Glenmore (Top) and Glen and Julie Andreazza, Willbriggie (Bottom)

Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair and NSW Farmers’ Association President, James Jackson have announced the finalists for the 2018 NSW Farmer of the Year (FOTY) Award.

Mr Blair congratulated Gavin and Karina Moore, dairy farmers from Glenmore in the Sydney basin and Glen and Julie Andreazza, grain producers from Willbriggie near Griffith, who have won their place as FOTY finalists.

“The Moore family have been farming near Camden since the 1800’s and in 2007 built a new dairy complex, complete with computer operated milking machines, rapid exit stall gates and a herringbone pit with a viewing platform, which was designed to host tours and school groups,” Mr Blair said.

“Since 2007, they have hosted more than 25,000 school children from preschool to Year 12 and have showcased the dairy to around 1,000 overseas visitors a year.

“Glen and Julie Andreazza balance environmental practices with making a profit in producing summer rice crops and winter cereals, which use residual moisture from the rice production.

“The farm recycles all its water, with quick-flow irrigation systems and solar panels, which offset the cost of electricity and help reduce emissions created by fossil fuels.”

Now in its 15th year, this award remains a great opportunity to recognise the state’s rural champions and demonstrates excellence in farming.

Mr Jackson said the calibre of nominations continues to impress and this year’s crop of applicants represented farmers from right across the state.

“The award is a chance to identify outstanding farmers by focusing on the entrants’ agricultural management skills, use of innovation, profitability, environmental sustainability and community involvement,” Mr Jackson said.

“We are proud to celebrate the achievements of NSW’s primary producers, who have put the best strategies in place to manage their businesses profitably and sustainably, and help us educate the broader community about the value of our sector.”

The successful 2018 NSW Farmer of the Year will win $10,000 and the finalist will receive $2,000.

The winner will be announced at the Farm Writers’ Association of NSW event in Sydney on Wednesday, 5 December at Parliament House.

The NSW Farmer of the Year Award is a joint initiative between the NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW Farmers, with the support of SafeWork NSW and The Land newspaper.

Media contact: NSW DPI (02) 6391 3686 or Kathleen Curry, NSW Farmers (02) 9478 1004