TWO primary producers from the New England North West have been named among the four finalists in the NSW Farmer of The Year Award.
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Tingha apiarist Casey Cooper, and Walcha beef cattle and sheep producer Jock Nivison join Bobs Farm fish farmer Nick Arena, and Taree egg and beef cattle producer Peter Matuszny, in the running for the 2016 title.
The winner will receive $10,000 and the finalists $2000 each.
The award is supported by NSW Farmers Association, NSW Department of Primary Industries, The Land and SafeWork NSW.
This region has produced several winners in recent years, including Quirindi’s Derek and Kirrily Blomfield in 2014, joint winner Godfrey Dol, Guyra, in 2013, and joint young farmer of the year award winner Stuart Blake, Walcha, in 2007.
The awards focus on farmers who combine safe, environmentally sustainable practices with profitable production.
Mr Cooper manages productive honeybees at Coopers Bees. His services include queen bee rearing and artificial insemination services. He sells beeswax and offers by-products such as pollination services.
He said his finalist berth was “a bit overwhelming, really”.
“It’s a bit of an honour to be in the top four with such great people in their industry,” he said.
Mr Nivison owns and operates the 2941ha property Yalgoo, where he runs beef cattle and sheep.
He runs commercial fine wool Merino, seedstock Merino, seedstock beef and commercial beef operations. Mr Nivison manages a seedstock Merino enterprise in Tasmania and believes in the opportunity for dual-purpose flocks.
NSWFA president Derek Schoen said the four had proven their ability to explore new measures of farming and were great ambassadors.
“They are driving innovation in effective agriculture practices, strengthening biosecurity and using new research and technology to improve the profitability of their farming businesses.”