Tasmania has cemented itself as the national leader in agricultural innovation with the state dominating the Australian Farmer of the Year awards, Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said today.
Reid Fruits managing director Tim Reid was named farmer of the year and also rural leader of the year; Peter and Frances Bender were named Australian biosecurity (animal) farmers of the year; Rob, Norm and Lesley Frampton of Gawler are Australian dairy farmers of the year.
In addition, Tasmanian farmers James McShane, Michael Badcock ( a TFGA director), woolgrowers Shelley and Chris Cocker and honey producer Lindsay Bourke were finalists in their categories.
“This is an outstanding achievement by all of them,” Ms Davis said. “They are role models for our industry, the finest examples of how this state excels in primary production when great intellects combine with ideal growing conditions to counter the challenges of our relative isolation.”
Ms Davis said Tim Reid’s achievements, particularly in cracking the Japanese market for cherries, were an inspiration to all would-be Tasmanian exporters.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis
