o The Central West Catchment Authority team.
o Winners of Excellence Awards with Kevin Humphries MP and Jane Crystal Acting CEO of CW CMA.
A fantastic day was had by all at the Central West Catchment Authority (CMA) 2012 Nyngan Ag Expo at the weekend.
According to Rob Avard, chair of the expo, it was a brilliant day with near perfect weather.
“There was a fantastic crowd, 200 exhibitors, dedicated sponsors, and team of enthusiastic helpers and committee members including the golf ladies on the gate, grounds people and our car parking team,” he said.
“Over 3500 people streamed into the Central West Catchment Authority, 2012 Nyngan Ag Expo on Saturday and, on behalf of our committee, I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to locals and visitors to this district alike for coming along to our event in its 20th year.”
This year expo called on its major sponsor, the Central West Catchment Management Authority, to determine candidates for the Excellence Awards. Kevin Humphries MP, Member for Barwon and Jane Crystal, acting general manager of the CW CMA, presented the following awards:
MOST INNOVATIVE AWARD - Robinvale Estate Olive Oil. Stephen Gallace, manager, was congratulated on the estate’s product line, showing expansion into a great number of variations in olive and other food products.
MOST EDUCATIONAL AWARD – Egelabra Merino Stud Cam Munro, manager was acknowledged for Egelabra’s extensive display of client results, wide appeal to all generations and diverse message.
PRESENTATION EXCELLENCE AWARD – Red River Rural Jeff Lloyd and his team were recognised for their well- planned site, clear statement about product, indirect selling, quality, plus integrity of product.
OUSTANDING CONTRIBUTION BY A COMMITTEE MEMBER AWARD - David Smith was presented with this award as his leadership in this area was commendable. The variety and quality of presentations was high, and exhibitors clearly expressed innovation in their displays of stock and products.
The CMA’s involvement in the ‘Year of the Farmer’ has seen the recognition of farmers who introduce innovative and sustainable practices into their farming systems.
Terry, Kerrie and Joel Pitkin of ‘Hermitage Plains’ have been recognised for their revolutionary work creating mosaics as well as managing total grazing pressure, restoring native perennial pastures, treating invasive native scrub and restoring the mosaic landscapes and controlling erosion.
The Wass family of ‘The Plains’ has also been recognised as another success story for their objectives which include working for future generations, improving their land and environment and working with a range of partners to create a farm much more productive than it was 20 years ago.
Acting Catchment Co-ordinator - Plains, Barb Muldoon, said “The Nyngan Ag Expo has a commitment to informing, educating and promoting, which is a great alignment with the CMA’s key activities’’.
“Each year we offer a range of financial incentives and training programs for landholders throughout the catchment area, many targeted to protect natural resource assets or address specific natural resource management issues identified within the CMA’s Catchment Action Plan.”