Who will come out on top? Shortlist for 2017 NSW Farmer of the Year unveiled

Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair yesterday announced the finalists for the 2017 NSW Farmer of the Year, chosen from a competitive field of producers across the State.

Troy Blackman from Upper Orara in Coffs Harbour (who was ABC Rural’s 2016 young farmer of the year), Will Coulton from North Star in the Northern Tablelands, and Mike and Velia O’Hare from Beckom in Cootamundra, are in the running for the prestigious title, to be awarded on December 11.

“NSW farmers are the best in the business, and these awards are a deserved acknowledgement of those producers who are at the top of their game,” Mr Blair said.

Last year’s winner was Port Stephens Barramundi farmer Nick Arena. 

Cowra mixed farmer Ed Fagan was the 2015 NSW Farmer of the Year

NSW Farmers’ Association President, Derek Schoen said the annual awards, now in their 14th year, are an pportunity to recognise the state’s rural champions.

“The NSW Farmer of the Year award is a chance to identify outstanding farmers by focusing on a combination of agricultural management skills, use of innovation, profitability, environmental sustainability and community involvement,” Mr Schoen said.

“This year’s finalists display excellence in farming across multiple areas. This award promotes all farming businesses and shows there’s no one way of producing food.”

NSW Farmer of the Year is a joint initiative between NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW Farmers supported by SafeWorkNSW and The Land.

The 2017 winner will receive a $10,000 prize, while the remaining finalists will receive $2000