Twenty-five of the most outstanding growers and advisers from across Australia and New Zealand have been named Regional Winners in the 2016 Syngenta Growth Awards.
The Growth Awards are presented by Syngenta in partnership with Case IH and Fairfax Agricultural Media. They aim to recognise leading agricultural professionals, highlighting their outstanding contributions to the industry across three award categories:
Productivity
The Productivity category winners are recognised for their focus on embracing modern agricultural technology to drive productivity, grow quality crops and improve returns.
Sustainability
The Sustainability category aims to award growers and advisers who demonstrate best practice in sustainable agriculture through implementing innovative methodologies.
Community and People
Winners in the Community and People category exhibit great leadership qualities and work to build a positive image for Australasian agriculture within the wider community.
Victoria and Tasmania Regional Winners:
- Andrew McMahen: Agronomist, Landmark, Manangatang
Productivity: Andrew works closely with industry groups to conduct and direct trials that drive the industry forward. He believes productivity comes from a deep understanding of his environments and his clients’ farming systems and he is usually amongst the first to identify any new threats in the area. Andrew utilises all available industry research and data to develop his management plans.
- James Dickson: Head Grower, GroLink Nursery, Werribee South
Sustainability: James takes a holistic approach to running his nursery focusing on consistency to provide successful products. He takes an individualised approach and aims to grow seedlings that will thrive in his customers’ environments. This results in providing more robust plants that deliver increased yield.
- Stuart Millwood: State Agronomy Manager, Roberts Ltd, Launceston
Productivity: Stuart has dedicated his professional life to providing the highest quality agronomic advice through educating and understanding his clients and their land capabilities. He is responsible for around 60 clients, producing over 100,000 tonnes of processing potatoes and certified seed potatoes annually.
Next stage of the Awards
The Regional Winners will advance to the next stage where seven Australasian winners will be selected and announced at the Growth Awards gala dinner in Sydney on December 1. The winners will then have the opportunity to participate in a study tour to the UK and Europe in 2017.