A CROP of outstanding primary producers have made the final round of this year’s NSW Farmer of The Year Award.
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Representing the livestock, aquaculture, honey and egg industries, this year’s finalists include: Casey Cooper, Nick Arena, Jock Nivison and Peter Matuszny.
Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair and NSW Farmers president Derek Schoen agreed these farmers have proved their ability to explore new measures of farming and were great ambassadors for the agricultural industry.
“They are driving innovation in effective agriculture practices, strengthening biosecurity and using new research and technology to improve the profitability of their farming businesses,” Mr Schoen said.
In our region the two finalist are:
Nick Arena, Bobs Farm
A fish farmer, Mr Arena operates 17 hectares at Bobs Farm in the Port Stephens area. There he grows tropical Barramundi species alongside hydronic herbs including basil and parsley with leafy greens such as bok choy and spinach.
Housing a restaurant “Cook-a-Barra” on-site at his Bobs Farm property, he aims to highlight the importance of fresh local produce.
Peter Matuszny, Taree
Taree’s Mr Matunszny owns and operates seven egg farms under the banner of Valley Free Range Eggs in the Manning Valley. He supplies eggs to more than 700 supermarkets and local independent stores.
He also breeds and finishes 400 beef cattle.
“The state’s $12 billion primary industries are in good hands, reflected by the high caliber of finalists we have in this years competition,” said Mr Blair.
The winner of the 2016 Farmer of the Year will receive $10,000 and finalists will each receive $2,000. The winner will be announced later this year.
The award is supported by NSW Farmers, NSW Department of Primary Industries, The Land and SafeWork NSW.