Ten Australian farmers were today recognised at the Kondinin Group and ABC Rural 2023 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards held at the Parliament House in Canberra.
Now in its 13th year, the awards recognise agriculture excellence and innovation across rural and regional Australia.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt congratulated Tess and Andrew Herbert of Eugowra, New South Wales, who won the 2023 Australian Farmer of the Year Award.
The couple runs Gundamain Pastoral Co., a sixth-generation agricultural company. They run a 6000-head cattle feedlot, 6500-7000 ewe for lamb and wool production, 5500 hectares of crops, hay silage, pasture, and 400ha of remnant vegetation with their three children.
Minister Watt stated that the Herbert family’s approach to incorporating technology into their day-to-day operations has allowed them to farm profitably and effectively while rebuilding from the devastating Central West floods in 2022.
“Tess and Andrew lost livestock, pasture and canola crop in the November floods, along with damaged fencing, roads and stockyards,” Minister Watt said.
According to Minister Watt, Gundamain is a significant local employer, and it is apparent that adaptability and flexibility are critical components of their company strategy.
“All of those recognised today are leading their industry and their communities with their vision for farming, while promoting a sustainable agricultural sector,” he added.
The Minister noted, “The Farmer of the Year Awards help develop leaders in the sector, which is why we are proud to partner with them through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.”
Minister Watt said the Australian Government supports the agriculture industry’s ambition of being a $100 billion sector by 2030.
The Kondinin Group and ABC Rural 2023 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards winners are:
Australian Farmer of the Year
Tess and Andrew Herbert, Eugowra, New South Wales
Young Farmer of the Year, sponsored by McDonalds Australia
Mitchell McNab, Ardmona, Victoria
Rural Community Leader of the Year
Jackie Elliott, Byaduk, Victoria
Rural Consultant of the Year
Ingrid Roth, Narrabri, New South Wales
Agricultural Student of the Year, sponsored by AgriFutures Australia
Jay Elliot, Perth, Western Australia
Award for Excellence in Innovation
Tony Single, Narratigah, New South Wales
Award for Excellence in Technology, sponsored by New Holland
Ray Taylor, Amiens, Queensland
Award for Excellence in Diversification and Sustainability, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience
Mark Foletta, Benalla, Victoria
Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research, sponsored by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
Dr Robert Magarey, Tully, Queensland
