To be part of the award any irrigators can enter themselves while industry agronomists, neighbours and organisations can also nominate a local irrigator with winners to share around AUD$25,000 worth of prizes
The Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awardshave been launched to celebrate excellence and recognise farmers who are at the forefront when it comes to responsible irrigation, innovative water management and environmental sustainability.
“Zimmatic is committed on partnering with farmers and these Awards are an opportunity for us to help showcase the innovative irrigation operators who will influence future generations and play a role in strengthening Australia’s position as global leaders in sustainable and profitable agriculture,” says James Craft of Zimmatic ANZ.
Category winners will share approximately AUD$25,000 worth of prizes. All category winners will win prize packs and the Supreme Award Winner will be offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the Zimmatic team, key irrigation industry individuals and other farmers on a trip to the USA to learn about the latest in irrigation technology and advancements in 2023.
James Craft noted that sponsorship support is vital in delivering such an Award, “Zimmatic ANZ is extremely proud to announce Lamb Weston as our principal partner for the Awards along with Sustainable Soils Management, AGnVET, Gippsland Food & Fibre and the Irrigation Research & Extension Committee who are partners in delivering this prestigious award.”
“Lamb Weston is proud to be a sponsor of The Trailblazer Awards as we’ve had a progress mindset since the 1950s when we first invented a better way to cut potatoes, said Ms. Simone Anderson, Vice President and General Manager Oceania for Lamb Weston.
“And in every challenge, we see possibilities to improve. Our inventive spirit has given us a steady stream of industry firsts and innovative ideas across every strand of our business – our processes, the way we make food, and how we take care of our people and so we wholeheartedly support Growers who demonstrate leadership in water management and environmental stewardship,” Simone Anderson added.
The responsible and efficient use of our precious water resources is ever more vital, and the Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards celebrate excellence and recognise farmers demonstrating leadership in water management and environmental stewardship.
The Awards, open to irrigating farmers anywhere in Australia, are assessed on four key components. Three applicants will be shortlisted for on-farm judging by a panel of irrigation and industry professionals who will provide an in-depth review of the four categories judged.
We are calling on not just farmers to put their hand up for the Awards, but for others to nominate an irrigator who they know to be doing a great job. Agronomists, rural service providers, industry representatives and farm advisers are all encouraged to nominate the people they know to be deserving of consideration,“ James Craft continued.
James Craft noted the value in nominating a farmer who you recognise as leading the way in sustainable irrigation for the Awards. All nominees are contacted and congratulated on their nomination and invited to enter the Awards should they wish to.
“We strongly encourage advisers, agronomists and farmers to consider nominating their farming peers for the Awards. It is a great way to provide positive recognition for their efforts.
“As part of the judging process, finalists receive feedback which helps them to benchmark their own operations against other entrants and highlights where they are leading the way,” said James Craft. “We find that nominees and finalists value the process, which in itself helps, to foster best practice.
“Previous entrants have seen great benefit in reflecting on their irrigation operations and receiving feedback from judges; and they have been very proud to see the achievements of their business and families recognised in the broader community and media.” James Craft concluded.
This is the second year that the Awards have run in Australia, with 2020 seeing the Supreme Award being taken out by Rob and Eliza Tole of Cressy Tasmania.
As a third-generation farmer with 350ha of their 560ha farm irrigated, Rob and his wife Eliza impressed judges with their operation which included lamb production and a cropping rotation of significant variety, including peas, seed potatoes, poppies, grass seed, clover seed, hemp, chicory and pasture.
Robr Tole encouraged other irrigators to enter the Award saying, “Even though I was hesitant at first myself, I would absolutely encourage other farmers to enter and give it a go as you learn so much about your own operation in the process of applying.”
Nominations will close Monday 8 August, entries close Monday 15 August 2022. For information about the Awards see more at: www.irrigationtrailblazer.com
