ANNOUNCED at a gala dinner in Sydney last night, the 2018 Growth Award Winners represent the very best of Australian and New Zealand agricultural growers and advisers.

The Awards recognise those who contribute to a sustainable future for Australian and New Zealand agriculture.

The winners were chosen across the categories of productivity, sustainability, and community and people.

This year the judges also handed out a special recognition award for work in the area of mental and physical health in rural communities.

Paul Luxton, Syngenta Territory Head – Australasia, said excellent people continue to be put forward in all categories.

“The 26 finalists once again challenged the judges due to the quality and diversity of their nominations.

“Never has it been more important to shine a positive light on ANZ Agriculture, and the great work both growers and advisors are doing to produce safe, quality food while taking care of the environment and the communities in which they live,” Mr Luxton said.

MURRAY TURLEY

TURLEY FARMS, Grower, Temuka, NZ

Murray Turley heads Turley Farms, a 2,930ha operation on NZ’s South Island growing cereals, potatoes, and hybrid vegetable seeds.

Turley Farms has been one-hectare grid soil testing for a decade and applying variable rate fertiliser to ensure no nutrients are lost, improving profitability and enhancing the environment.

Turley Farms is one of the founding shareholders of Southern Packers – an onion and potato packhouse – which has the capacity to process 40,000 tonnes of onions a year.

LYNLEY ANDERSON

Grower, Kojonup, WA

Lynley Anderson uses the latest technologies and research in her mixed farming operation.

Conscious of the ecological responsibility she has to her farm, Lynley makes strategic decisions to maintain ground cover on the gravel, loam and clay soils and manages risk by utilising synergies between cropping and sheep.

NOEL JANSZ

ELDERS LTD, Agronomist, Bairnsdale, VIC

Noel Jansz provides advice to help maximise returns for his growers.

This includes insights on the amount of irrigation required, and the right fertilisers and chemicals to maximise crop output.

Noel adopts the strategies of the Integrated Crop Management system, a holistic approach to running farms.

In 2014 Noel was Elders Employee of the Year and a national finalist for the AUSVEG Rising Star award.

JACK RUSSO

Grower, Bundaberg, QLD

Sugarcane grower Jack Russo has included macadamias and peanuts in his 500ha enterprise in order to produce a more sustainable farming operation and aid diversification.

A fourth generation grower, he has designed his own fertiliser applicator to deliver nutrients to the root zone. With the environment in mind due to the proximity of his farm to the Great Barrier Reef, the applicator also decreases run off.

JIM WALKER

NZ INSTITUTE FOR PLANT AND FOOD RESEARCH, Researcher, Hawkes Bay

Reducing the amount and toxicity of pesticides used in apple production has been a lifelong passion for NZ researcher Jim Walker.

Jim led a team which introduced Integrated Fruit Production and has helped growers adopt practices which decrease pesticide residue and his advice is regularly sought by NZ government officials.

SCOTT SAMWELL

EASTBROOK VEGETABLE FARMS, Grower, Mount Barker, SA

Scott Samwell is part of a family operation producing Brussels sprouts and kalettes at two farms at Mount Barker and Langhorne Creek.

Scott spends up to two days a month providing input into future research and development through his involvement with industry groups. He also hosts field days and school visits to his farms.

TONY LOCKREY

AMPS AGRIBUSINESS, Agonomist, Moree, NSW

Tony Lockrey works with about 20 large clients providing on-farm advice. He has a strong involvement in research and development and holds positions on many industry bodies.

Tony organises a “Men’s Campfire Dinner” once a month, which has attracted up to 70 men who are encouraged to talk about anything they like.

GINNY STEVENS

ACTIVE FARMERS LTD, Adviser, Mangoplah, NSW

Ginny left a career in banking to follow an idea to use physical fitness to improve mental health in rural communities.

That idea became Active Farmers, a network of farmer boot camps across 30 communities with 250 farming families now involved in the program and another 100 communities interested.

The winners have the opportunity to participate in a Syngenta overseas study tour in 2019.

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