The Weekly Times has marked a decade of partnership with supermarket chain Coles at the annual Farmer of the Year Awards.
The Weekly Times Coles 2022 Farmer of the Year Awards recognise the best in the business – leaders, innovators, and realise the success that has often overcome adversity and challenges of life on the land.
News Corp Australasia chairman Michael Miller said the awards, which were held on Friday in Melbourne, were a testament to the 10-year partnership with Coles.
“Coles have been a true partner for these awards over the past decade and I want to thank them for their support,” Miller said.
“In recognising farming’s best performers these awards tell of their amazing achievements that benefit their communities, our economy and help shape our national story. We are proud to champion and recognise Australian farmers who are among our greatest unsung heroes,” he added.
Michael Miller
Coles chief executive officer Steven Cain said Coles was proud to celebrate the 10th Farmer of the Year awards.
“Despite ongoing challenges posed by floods, COVID-19, fires, and cyclones in parts of Australia, farmers continued to demonstrate innovation and excellence. They are inspiring the next generation of sustainable farmers and are a great example of how we can all work together to reduce waste and emissions while continuing to provide our customers with the best of Australian food,” he added.
The Weekly Times editor James Wagstaff said The Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year Awards have grown into the biggest and the best of their type in the country.
“From beef farmers in Queensland operating one of the nation’s biggest cattle herds to dairy farmers in southwest Victoria defying the odds to produce record profits, the awards have honoured the best in profitability, innovation and sustainability over the past 10 years,” he said.
“As the industry hurtles towards its goal of $100 billion in farm output by 2030, the awards will continue to grow and support an industry that supports the world,” he added.
Performing in the paddock, on the plate and in the profit books handed a NSW livestock producer the title of Australia’s best farmer for 2022.
Marc Greening, of Injemira Beef Genetics at Holbrook, NSW, won Beef Farmer of the Year and was crowned overall winner at The Weekly Times Coles 2022 Farmer of the Year Awards.
This year’s awards attracted finalists from every state in Australia and were presented by Olympian Giaan Rooney and federal Agriculture minister David Littleproud. Each category winner received $5,000, with the overall Farmer of the Year collecting a further $10,000.
Over the past 10 years The Weekly Times Coles 2022 Farmer of the Year Awards have had 60 winners, 180 finalists and thousands of nominations.
Marc Greening