FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson wants to congratulate Tasmanians who scooped the pool in last night’s annual, national Farmer of the Year titles.
Tasmanian farmers took out the top award for four of the nine categories as well as winning runner-up in the RIRDC Rural Women’s Award 2015 announced on the same night.
A young Tasmanian was also one of the three finalists nationally for the Young Farmer of the Year title.
“It’s an outstanding result and exemplifies the high skill level of our Tasmanian farming community,” Mr Hutchinson said.
Mr Hutchinson said that Glengarry farmer Carol Bracken had done an outstanding job to get runner-up to the 2015 Rural Woman of the Year.
And fifth generation Tasmanian farmer Matt Dunbabin has done his state and his family business proud by being named 2015 Farmer of the Year title in the ABC Rural and Kondinin group awards.
“It is only five years ago that Carol and her husband Nathan bought a 65 hectare property and set up a hazelnut orchard and nursery with the aim of creating a family business,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“There are now 5000 trees in the orchard with plans to increase the plantings to 9000 trees.
“Both Carol and Nathan are actively involved in the hazelnut industry in Tasmania and are members of the Hazelnut Growers of Australia peak body.
“She is an inspiring young woman, a West Tamar councillor who is engaged in her local community – a wonderful advocate for agribusiness, women in business and Tasmania.”
Mr Dunbabin was awarded Diversification Farmer of the Year as well as Farmer of the Year which highlighted his hard work in recent years to keep his historic family business alive and successful.
“I’ve known Matt for many years as a wool producer and the challenges that industry presented his business have been difficult,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“He and his wife Vanessa have overcome them by diversifying into viticulture and agribusiness.”
They have also opened up their property to visitors with a new guest house from where farm tourists can sample life on a property that boasts 35 kilometres of coastal frontage and 5100 hectares of native forest and wildlife as well as an already successful restaurant and tourism business in partnership with the Gray family.
Northern Tasmanian honey producer Lindsay Bourke was named Plant Biosecurity Farmer of the Year last night.
Lindsay and his wife Yeonsoon, who have a factory at Sheffield, have been consistent advocates for biosecurity in their industry both in Tasmania and nationally.
“The award recognises Lindsay’s enduring efforts around plant security,” Mr Hutchinson said.
Mr Hutchinson was also pleased to see the efforts of Meander farmers Brian and Michele Lawrence recognised with their award as Australian Dairy Farmers of the Year.
“Their award is a reinforcement of the opportunities for both young farmers and the national and global competitive edge that Tasmania enjoys in the dairy sector,” he said.
Mr Hutchinson offered his heartiest congratulations to all the Tasmanians who did so well in last night’s awards.
“This is why Tasmanians understand the importance of the Australia China Free Trade Agreement ratification because the benefits of the agreement to our state in terms of jobs will be enormous,” he said.
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Federal Lyons MHR Eric Hutchinson
