Joint media release: Aussie producers to be celebrated at Farmer of the Year Awards

Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm
Senator for Victoria, Senator Raff Ciccone

The Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year Award will be held in Melbourne tonight, where producers from across the country will celebrate the advancement of Australia’s multibillion-dollar Ag sector.

From the Allen family in Victoria who have successfully positioned themselves as leaders in carbon-neutral livestock production, to the Swift and Watson families in NSW who run a technologically advanced cropping operation that prioritises water-use efficiency.

The awards, in their 13th year, aim to recognise the best in beef, cropping, dairy, horticulture and sheep farming, with a special focus on AgTech breakthroughs that further Australia’s goals in sustainable farming methods.

Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone, will represent the Federal Government at tonight’s event and will highlight the incredible endurance of Australian farmers in his remarks, along with their renowned reputation for being adaptive to new challenges.

A full list of winners will be published on the Weekly Times homepage, following tonight’s event.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Anthony Chisholm:

“Our Ag sector is the envy of the world, but this enviable reputation hasn’t just happened by accident, we’re in this position because of the hard work that Aussie farmers put in every single day.

“These awards give us an excellent opportunity to focus on the world class farming operations we have in this country and showcase their resilience, creativity, and ability to innovate.

“From carbon neutral livestock producers to orchardists using artificial intelligence, tonight’s nominees cover a vast range and make huge contributions to Australia’s economic position.

“We should thank our farmers every time we take a seat at the kitchen table. The work they do to produce our food is gruelling, so this event is a great opportunity to recognise the effort and ingenuity of our top farmers.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone:

“Tonight, is a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate Australian agriculture, the jobs it creates, the communities it supports and the significant contribution it makes to our economy.

“Since the release of the industry-led plan to grow agriculture to $100 billion by 2030, many farmers have had to withstand the impacts of drought, bushfires and COVID-19, but despite this, they’ve remained resilient.

“Congratulations to all the nominees for their skill, innovation, dedication and environmental responsibility – they’re working hard to shape the future of agriculture every day.

“Well done also to The Weekly Times for its strong advocacy of our country’s world-class agriculture industry.”