Two agricultural advocates in the north west region were recognised for their excellence and achievement in the Australian cotton industry last week.
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Moree agronomist Fiona Norrie, and Wee Waa CSD farm manager Mark Cathcart were award recipients at the 2017 Australian Cotton Industries Awards.
Ms Norrie was named the ADAMA Chris Lehmann Trust Young Cotton Achiever of the Year.
After completing a Bachelor of Rural Science at UNE, Ms Norrie’s journey led her to work as an agronomist with Integrated Crop Management Services in Moree, helping local growers improve yields, sustainability and farm performance.
Her passion to improving support networks in agriculture saw her become the first Young Aggies Committee chairperson in 2016.
Australian Cotton Industries Awards judges were impressed with Fiona's agronomist capabilities and her strong vision for the industry's future.
“Fiona’s work with Young Aggies, an organisation bringing together young agricultural professionals, demonstrated a commitment to the community and the future of the industry,” the judges explained.
Meanwhile, Mr Cathcart was named Agririsk High Achiever of the Year at the Awards, which recognises a grower who demonstrates a very high degree of achievement, excellence or innovation in their cotton farm operation.
The Wee Waa farm manager was congratulated for his “extraordinary” achievements in managing successful crop production in a comprehensive research and seed production system featuring extensive plot trials.
“Mark is leading the way in cotton research and is someone from whom the rest of the industry can learn,” the judges said.
“Mark demonstrated meticulous management of resources and crops with a strong focus on research programs for industry benefit. He placed the highest priority on the production of high quality seed. CSD Farms demonstrated a well planned future development program, emphasising staff training and OH&S strategies.”
“Mark goes above and beyond expectations, taking the initiative with extensive industry engagement and encouraging growers to visit.”