NSW Farmers Association & NSW Department of Primary Industries

NSW Farmer of the Year 2017

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Presenting Partner

Media Partner NSW Farmer of the Year Award 2017

ABOUT THE AWARDS The NSW Farmer of the Year Award is designed to recognise excellence in farming within NSW. A joint initiative by NSW Farmers and NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and supported by SafeWork NSW, the awards have a particular focus on acknowledging farmers who combine safe, environmentally sustainable practices with profitable production.

To further develop and improve their farming enterprise all finalists will also be invited to form part of the NSW Farmer professional network.

The successful ‘Farmer of the Year’ will be awarded $10,000 and the other finalists will each receive $2,000.

WHO CAN ENTER The NSW Farmer of the Year is open to farmers in NSW. Both men and women are encouraged to apply. NSW DPI, NSW Farmers, SafeWork NSW and Fairfax staff are not eligible to apply.

HOW TO ENTER Applicants should address the essential criteria outlined in this application form. You can also provide additional information about your farm after addressing the essential criteria. Please keep your application to one page per question, with one extra page for additional information. If you are part of a family partnership please outline your areas of responsibility/achievement.

You can also nominate your neighbour, client or colleague.

SEND TYPED APPLICATION TO: Mary Lockton, NSW Farmers, PO Box 459, St Leonards, NSW 1590 E: [email protected] SELECTION PROCESS A number of finalists will be selected by the judging panel, which includes representatives from NSW Farmers, NSW DPI, The Land and SafeWork NSW. Finalists will participate in a farm visit and interview. The finalists will be invited to the award presentation later in the year. Finalist travel expenses will be covered.

CLOSING DATE Wednesday 27 September 2017

FURTHER INFORMATION Mary Lockton, NSW Farmers PH 1300 794 000 or email [email protected] Application Form: NSW Farmer of the Year 2017

Section A Name...... Address...... Phone...... Fax...... Email...... Location (if different to address)...... Are you a member of NSW Farmers?......

Applications must be received by Wednesday 27 September 2017. Send completed applications to: Mary Lockton, NSW Farmers, PO Box 459, St Leonards, NSW 1590 [email protected]

Section B - General Information

Brief description of your farm/property (eg location, history, commodities grown etc) ......

Major issues that impact on your farm ......

Number of people employed (if applicable) ......

Applicant’s position on farm: ………………………………………………………..

Size of property: ………………………………………………………... Section C – Essential Criteria

1. Farm Management Please describe how your farm is managed. Include a description of how it balances production and profit requirements with environmental and sustainability needs. Include specific examples...... 2. Use of Innovation and Research Describe how you use innovation and the latest agricultural research findings on your farm? Include examples of innovations you have developed or adopted which contribute to environmental, sustainability and/or profitability (for example marketing or production methods). How would you describe your ability or vision to contribute to future growth of NSW’s primary industries sector? ......

3. Farming as a Business Describe how you apply monitoring, benchmarking or comparative analysis tools in your management......

3. Risk Management Outline any risk manage m e n t strate gies you used to offset the effec t s of drough t, disease, natural disasters and / or marke t down tu r ns...... 4. Safety Management Describe how you keep yourself, visitors and work er s safe and healthy on your farm......

5. Farming Philosophy and Leadership Describe your attitude to farming and your community. This could include your views on the natural environment, agricultural industry or any aspect of living in a rural community. Alternatively, you could provide an example of how you provide leadership as a farmer general, or within a specific agricultural industry...... Section D: Referees To support your application you may provide a referee/s. Referees must be aware that they may be contacted to provide a reference.

Referee Name: ...... Contact number: ......

To be signed by applicant: I understand and agree to adhere to the terms of this competi tion. I agree to participate in related media activities as required. I agree that the judges’ decision is final. The owner (if different from the applicant) is aware of my application for this award and I have his/her consent.

Signature ...... Date ......