farmers

Two NSW dairy farmers have taken out awards in the prestigious 2009 Dairy Business of the Year Awards. Neville and Ruth Kydd, who run 730 cows on their 371 hectare property at Finley, won two awards, being recognised for their business excellence in winning the Southern NSW category and also the Most Improved category. To cap off a successful awards night for the southern Riverina, Danny and Nikki Everingham of Deniliquin won the Low Concentrate award for their 680 cow dairy. This year’s winners demonstrated outstanding business performance that should see them through the challenge of lower milk prices and extended drought conditions in many areas.

Cherry growers look

to China

Cherry growers from Young and other districts are hoping to see cooperation between Australia and China leading to cherry trading between the two countries. As part of the Australia-China Agricultural Cooperation Agreement, Australian growers must provide information and advice to their Chinese counterparts. The level of cooperation between the two countries has been high and Chinese authorities may agree to restrict supply of their cherries into the Australian market, which would help local growers maintain a fair price for their cherries. A group of Australian growers including Ian Hay from Young have been to China to view the industry’s operations. Mr Hay is the President of the Cherry Growers of Australia and describes demand for cherries in China as enormous.

Ricegrowers Association Conference

Planning is underway for the 2009 Ricegrowers Association Conference at the Deniliquin RSL Club on August 6. Up to 250 people will attend the conference, which has the theme ‘Secure water means secure food’. RGA Executive Director Ruth Wade said the conference will complement the current Water4Food campaign. Several high profile people will be invited to the conference. With rice production in the Deniliquin district in serious decline due to the drought the conference will be a focus for the future of the industry. There are now less than 50 ricegrowers in the Murray region, down from an industry high of 1200 in past years.