Yeoval sheep producer takes out State’s top farmer award

Winners of the Farmer of the Year Nigel Kerin (L) and Young Farmer of the Year Tally Matthews at the awards event.

Nigel Kerin’s commitment to improving the environmental health of his mixed merino sheep, cattle and cropping operation at Yeoval tonight earned him the top NSW Farmer award.

Nigel, who farms a series of properties with wife Kate in the State’s central west, has applied holistic management tools such as cell grazing, pasture cropping and small paddock structure to significantly boost productivity - in spite of tough ongoing drought conditions.

NSW Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said Nigel’s ability to adapt from a traditional form of farming to a more regenerative approach was a great story to share.

"In addition to his environment initiatives, Nigel and his family adopted breeding principles with their merino sheep which has led to the production of high quality wrinkle free sheep that require less labour effort and no mulesing," Minister Macdonald said.

"His management shift includes a strong focus on running the farm as a business, working with a board of other farmers, and as a result he has achieved outstanding productivity gains."

President of the NSW Farmers’ Association, Jock Laurie, said Tally Matthews efforts to develop wide ranging enterprises won him the Young Farmer of the Year award.

Tally, a turf and vegetable producer at Ebenezer in the Sydney basin, also works as an agronomist and was recognised as an outstanding young leader, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting others in his industry and young farmers across NSW.

L to R Young FOTY finalists Ben Watts with wife Fiona, and Young FOTY winner Tally Matthews with partner Kylie Pitt.

"Tally is an excellent example of what our young farmers are able to achieve today through gaining experience in a range of industries which helps them better cope with financial pressures," NSW Farmers’ Association President Jock Laurie said.

Judges in this year’s awards, the fifth to be held in NSW, also paid tribute to the three finalists who also demonstrated outstanding achievement in their farming operations, including:

• Kim and Stephen Roberts (FOTY finalists), who run a small piggery ‘Bundawarrah Free Range Pork’ and produce saltbush lamb, with established markets in Sydney, Canberra and the south coast;
• Chris Mirams (FOTY finalists), who together with wife Jacinta manages ‘Woomargama Station’ near Holbrook with a sheep, cattle and grass production and is heavily involved in Evergraze and Landcare; and
• Ben Watts (Young FOTY finalist) who with wife Fiona operates a sheep breeding operation near Molong, marketing their product as non mulesed EU-Eco label. Ben successfully led Australia’s bid to host the 2010 World Sheep and Wool Congress.

L to R FOTY finalists Kim and Steve Roberts with winner Nigel Kerin and wife Kate, and finalist Chris Mirams and wife Jacinta.

"This year’s finalists have impressive stories to tell about innovative ways to approach challenges like climate change, consumer demands and product marketing," judging panel Chair and Cobar Farmer, Marie Russell, said tonight.

"We look forward to working with our winners and finalists this year to promote the achievements in environment management and new farming practises that are happening across NSW."

The finalists were selected for their ability to demonstrate innovation, marketing and risk management skills, as well as involvement in industry groups and their local communities.

Nigel Kerin was awarded $10,000, while Tally Matthews takes home $5,000, and the finalists $1,000 each, following the presentation at tonight’s NSW Farmers’ Association Annual Conference Dinner.

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

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