2018 Winners
2018 Australian Farmer of the Year: Peter and Frances Bender, Hobart, Tasmania
Peter and Frances are the founders of Huon Aquaculture; recognised internationally as being an industry leader and innovative producer of premium quality salmonid products with a staff of 605 and an annual turnover of $318.2 million. Peter and Frances were chosen for their outstanding contribution to agriculture, innovative farming practices and commitment to their staff and local community. They were highly commended for their hands-on role, their business understanding and the impact of their work.
2018 Young Farmer of the Year: Christopher McLoghlin, Diggers Rest, Victoria
Christopher’s dynamic approach to farming was highly praised by the Judges. In little over three years, Christopher has grown his organic mushroom business, Mycelia Organics, into a company enjoying more than 90% share of their category supplying product to all the major Australian retailers and more than 750 independent stores nationwide.
2018 Farming Legend of the Year: Raymond Harrington OAM, Darkan, Western Australia
A lifetime contribution to Australian agriculture earned Raymond Harrington OAM the title of 2018 Farming Legend of the Year. As a passionate farmer, inventor, innovator and community statesman, Raymond has spent the last 55-years dedicated not only to the improvement of his own farming enterprise, but to helping others and to having an impact both nationally and internationally with his developments.
2018 Rural Community Leader of the Year Award: Lorraine Gordon, Armidale, New South Wales
Lorraine’s fearless approach leadership was a highlight for the Judges; along with her tireless ‘above and beyond’ attitude to engaging with both growers, community and industry throughout rural Australia.
2018 Rural Consultant of the Year: Tim Neale, Toowoomba, Queensland
Tim Neale has a reputation as a provider of unbiased, technical and practical information; with an ability to communicate agronomic solutions to a range of audiences. Tim has more than 20 years’ experience working in the Australian agriculture industry, most of which has been focused on sustainable agricultural practices and precision agriculture technology.
2018 Award for Excellence in Innovation: Daniel Fox, Marrar, New South Wales
Daniel Fox is a young farmer who advocates pursuing personal, team and business excellence with the courage to deal with change, think boldly and find new ways of doing things better. Dan’s vision for his farming future is to sustainably balance the needs of his farm business and meet or exceed community expectations of how they want their food produced.
2018 Award for Excellence in Technology: Christopher McLoghlin, Diggers Rest, Victoria
Described as a ‘go-getter’, Christopher’s ability to transform under-performing farms through innovative implementation of new and current technologies ensured he could achieve his goals. Chris has used technology to identify better management techniques to ensure the product is grown efficiently and arrives fresh in the market place.
2018 Award for Excellence in Diversification: Simon Rowe, Burra, South Australia
From vertically integrating his supply chain to developing an organic red wine, Simon Rowe leads by example when it comes to successfully diversifying his farming enterprise. Simon is the Director of Princess Royal Station, a family-owned and operated mixed-farming enterprise. Under his guidance, the business now sustains a large portion of the fodder, grain and hay storage, freight requirements, livestock breeding and trading, plant and machinery, and project management needs internally.