Media Release – 11 July 2022
2022 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards to recognise excellence in irrigation management
The 2022 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards were launched today to celebrate excellence and recognise farmers who are at the forefront when it comes to responsible irrigation, innovative water management and environmental sustainability.
The Awards this year will recognise winners in four categories:
Zimmatic Supreme Award
Sustainable Irrigation Management Award
Lamb Weston Stewardship & Community Award
Future Trailblazer Award (awarded at judges’ discretion)
“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 Mr. James Craft of Zimmatic ANZ.
Category winners will share approximately AUD$25,000 worth of prizes. All category winners will win fabulous 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.
Mr 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, Food & Fibre Gippsland 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.”
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, which are 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.
Mr. Craft noted the value in nominating a farmer who you recognize 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 Mr. 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.”
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 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.
Mr 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 8th August, entries close Monday 15th August. For information about the Awards here.