Farming is in Harley Crawford’s blood

The Crawfords (Harley and his parents and brother and sister) operate the family property between Trangie and Narromine.

They grow cotton during summer and during winter grow wheat, barley, chickpeas and canola.

“A typical day on the family farm will be a catch-up in the morning at the sheds for a toolbox meeting to sort the day out and then out into the paddocks,” Harley said.

“At the moment we are into harvesting wheat which is a busy and exciting time of the year.

“Depending on the time of year our roles on the farm will change, which will vary from sowing irrigating picking and harvesting.”

Harley said the Australian agricultural industry was large and diverse, generating a lot of employment, food and clothing across the country.

November 21 is National Agriculture Day, with events celebrating the industry being held across the country.

Australia’s agriculture sector powers about 1.6 million Australian jobs, according to the Food, Fibre & Forestry Facts: A Summary of Australia’s Agriculture Sector.

There are 85,681 Australian agricultural businesses that have an Estimated Value of Agricultural Operations (EVAO) of $40,000 or greater, and cattle, wheat and whole milk are our top three commodities by value.

Australian farmers manage an estimated 48 per cent of the nation’s landmass, and each year, on average each Australian farmer feeds 600 people.

In the past decade, primary industries have led the nation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Harley said it was great knowing a national day was held to celebrate farmers.

“Australian farmers and the industry need to be recognised for their ability to adapt, innovate and form successful collaborations will continue with sustainable food security,” he said.

“It’s important for people to recognise where their food and clothing comes from, how it is produced and the supply chains that deliver it to the shelf.”

Harley said agriculture was a sophisticated and highly technical industry, with Australia boasting one of the most innovative and efficient industries.

“This year has been a tough, dry year but these are the challenges that Australian farmers have to face,” he said.

“We are getting better and more efficient at growing crops with limited rainfall, which is an exciting challenge for farmers and the industry.”