Caption:Goondiwindi cotton grower, Nigel Corish (3rd from left) was named the Case IH Young Farmer of the Year in 2013, and is encouraging young ag leaders to take part in the Awards this year.Pictured with (L-R) James McShane (finalist), Dale Chapple (Case IH regional sales manager) and Bradley Cronau (finalist).
Goondiwindi cotton grower, Nigel Corish, has had an opportunity-packed eight months since being named the 2013 Case IH Young Farmer of the Year last September. Nominations for the 2014 award are closing soon, and Nigel is encouraging young producers to get involved.
For Nigel, the award has provided great learning opportunities, an invaluable component in his quest to improve his farming practices.
“Since winning the award I’m now being invited to attend and present at conferences,” he said. “As a speaker you can save on travel costs and conference fees, but the biggest benefit is getting outside your comfort zone, talking to other producers and sharing ideas.”
Awarded the Monsanto Cotton Grower of the Year in 2012, Nigel was already an ambassador for the cotton industry and he has now been able to step up and promote the Australian agriculture industry more broadly. He was even selected to meet the Duke of Cambridge at a Royal Reception in April.
“The Award is a good way to get to know different organisations and see how they all fit together. As an industry, we need to work to ensure we have one voice and there’s a groundswell of young people stepping up.”
Nigel’s eagerness to promote Australia’s agriculture industry to the next generation, and his willingness to adopt new technologies, stood out for judges last year. Bruce Healy, Brand Leader for award sponsor Case IH is calling for like-minded individuals to step up and nominate this year.
“We are looking for young farmers who are planning for the future: not just on their own farms, but helping others – young and old – to improve their farming practices and increase productivity,” said Bruce, who also lists involvement in education and training, research groups and industry associations as desirable attributes.
“As members of the agriculture industry it’s important that we tell positive stories about farming, and young people in our industry must be recognised for the role they play in raising the bar for future generations.”
According to Bruce, Case IH is confident there are lots of young farmers who have a great story to tell, and Nigel agrees.
“Decision makers are often in their fifties and sixties but there’s always young people in the wings who are very passionate,” explains Nigel, “We need to encourage them to stand up and bring that passion to the decision making process.”
Nominations for the Case IH Young Farmer of the Year award are open until Friday 27th June 2014. Entrants should demonstrate good knowledge of workplace health and safety, sustainability and an interest in technology to help improve productivity. More information and entry forms can be found at www.farmeroftheyear.com.au.
Earlier: Magnum CVT powers into Trangie NSW
Alison Treloar Sefton & Associates
