EXEMPLARY TRAILBLAZERS

The winners of the inaugural Zimmatic™ Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards have been announced.

Tasmanian farmers Rob and Eliza Tole of Cressy are the Australian region and Supreme winners.

Mr Tole is a third-generation farmer on “Greenvale” a 560ha property with 350ha irrigated. He and his wife Eliza run an operation which includes lamb production and a cropping rotation of significant variety, including peas, seed potatoes, poppies, grass seed, clover seed, hemp, chicory and pasture.  

“We were surprised and honoured to win this award.  There are so many farmers around who I look up to and seek advice from who could easily have won it, so for us to be named Supreme winners across Australia and New Zealand was very humbling.  Mr Tole said.

Head judge for the Awards Ms. Keri Johnston noted that judges were looking for innovation in water management, steps taken to ensure sustainable water use on farm, and an obvious passion for protecting one of our most precious natural resources.

“The Tole’s exemplified all of these attributes both on their own farm and through their work supporting other irrigators. Being on the front foot in adopting new technology and ideas has been pivotal to their success.

Canterbury farming couple Ted and Sue Rollinson are the New Zealand region winners. The Rollinson’s own a 380-hectare dairy farm in mid-Canterbury. Sharemilkers Tom and Leanne Henneghan have been on farm for 11 years and milk 1,500 cows on the property.

The judges acknowledged that the Rollinson’s have been influential in sustainable irrigation and their community for a long time.

“One of the judging categories was about sharing knowledge and supporting others in their communities to adapt and change, and Ted can certainly claim credit in this space!” says Ms Johnston.

The Awards aim to celebrate excellence in sustainable irrigation and encourage Australian and New Zealand farmers to share ideas for achieving sustainable water management.  

Each entrant was judged on the following categories: sustainable irrigation management; irrigation-driven improvements, which may include cost reductions, environmental outcomes, yield improvements and/or improved efficiencies; waterway protection; stewardship/community.

James Craft of Zimmatic ANZ, says that the Awards acknowledge innovative farming operators and reward them for the vital role they play in the primary sector.  

“We were extremely impressed by the calibre of applications for the Award and the excellence being practiced by these farmers who are focussed on improving their irrigation and water management.

“The Awards are an opportunity to help showcase the innovative farming operators who will influence future generations and play a role in strengthening New Zealand’s success story as global leaders in sustainable and profitable farming. We really look forward to the Awards becoming a regular feature of the agricultural calendar in Australia and New Zealand.