Top farm awards presented at VFF conference

Russell Higginbothom from Prime Super announced the Inghams Branch as the 2010 VFF Branch of the Year, while the Managatang Branch was awarded runner up. Malcolm Jackman from Elders announced Woolsthorpe livestock farmer Esther Glasgow as the 2010 VFF/Elders Apprentice of the Year.

VFF president Andrew Broad said the Ingham branch had stood out for its commitment to farmers in its local area and had achieved several big wins for members and non-members in the past year.

“The VFF congratulates the Ingham Branch for its tireless work in the aftermath of the Ingham’s plant fire, helping to secure Government funding to ensure the plant is rebuilt, and chicken growers from across Victoria are not disadvantaged during the rebuilding process.

This year’s Branch of the Year runner up, the Manangatang Branch, had done a fantastic job in mobilising their members to become involved in big issues on a local level, he added.

Mr Broad also congratulated Ms Glasgow for taking out the VFF/Elders Apprentice of the Year award.

“Esther’s passion for the industry was clearly evident in her acceptance speech, and her work as a Traineeship Program Coordinator at Rural Industries Skills Training in Hamilton clearly demonstrates her enthusiasm in getting her young peers involved in the industry as well.

“Esther has completed her Certificate III in Agriculture, Certificate II in shearing, Certificate II in Wool Handling and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She is also currently studying for her Diploma of Agriculture and Certificate IV in Wool Classing.

“The VFF congratulates the three runner ups Josh Burns, a grains farmer from Ballarat; Joe Maher, a potato grower from Blampied; and Tom Mills, a dairy farmer from Foster,” Mr Broad concluded.