Twenty-five of the most outstanding growers and advisers from across Australia and New Zealand have been named Regional Winners in the 2016 Syngenta Growth Awards.
Presented by Syngenta in partnership with Case IH and Fairfax Agricultural Media, the Awards recognise leading agricultural professionals, across three award categories: Productivity, Sustainability and Community and People.
QLD Regional Winners:
- Nigel Corish: Owner, Yambocully Pty Ltd, Goondiwindi
Productivity: Nigel is a young farmer with a passion for R&D. Nigel was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship in 2014 for his work in improving fertiliser use efficiency and nitrogen uptake efficiency. He operates a family farm which consists of four mixed farming properties on the NSW-QLD border, with a main focus on irrigated cotton.
- Richard Daniel: CEO of the Northern Growers Alliance, Toowoomba
Community and People: Richard has spent over 30 years in agricultural R&D and is recognised for his passion in evaluating potential solutions to problems faced by consultants and growers across key cropping areas in the Northern grains region. Richard is often the first point of contact for other professionals in his region.
- Simon Chapman: Owner, Rushel Produce, Gumlu
Sustainability: Simon is a young, innovative grower, farming 263 ha of capsicum and cucurbits in Gumlu. He produces quality produce for both the local and export market. Simon looks for ways to increase production through improved land productivity, crop management and harvest efficiencies.
- Tommy Le: Agronomist, EE Muir & Sons Pty Ltd, Glenore Grove
Community and People: Tommy arrived to Australia with his family in 1987, as a child refugee. Tommy’s unique experiences and enthusiasm drive his commitment to helping the Vietnamese farming community. He helps other Vietnamese immigrants set up their own farming businesses and provides advice and expertise to help them succeed.
- Trevor and Wendy Cross: Managers, Cross Family Farms Pty Ltd, Bundaberg
Sustainability: Trevor and Wendy have been growing small crops for over 20 years. They farm 600 ha of irrigated crops and employ over 300 staff, across the packing shed and in the field. Their farm practices revolve around soil conservation, water management, resistance management and IPM.
Next stage of Awards
The Regional Winners will advance to the next stage where seven Australasian winners will be selected and announced at the Growth Awards gala dinner in December.
