Walgett agronomist bags farming top gong

The prestigious Brownhill Cup award was handed out at the recent 2016 AgQuip field days

Greg Rummery, an agronomist from the NSW country town of Walgett has been named the 2016 recipient of the Brownhill Cup, deemed one of Australia’s most prestigious agricultural awards.

The award, sponsored by Commonwealth Bank and the Brownhill family, is presented annually to a recipient that has adopted innovative farming practices on his or her operation, or has made a significant contribution to the agricultural industry in Australia.

It is handed out on the second day of the AgQuip field days each year, following the official opening ceremony at the Commonwealth Bank stand.

Over his 30 years as an agronomist, Rummery has worked with farmers in the Walgett area of northern NSW to identify new crops that would be suitable for the area.

One of the major changes the team initiated was the development of chick pea production in the area, which eventually forged the way for increased production of chick pea crops across Australia.

"It’s been really rewarding to have a committed group of growers come together for a common cause," Rummery said.

"I really want to bring the best of the industry into this district, and after the last few tough years we’ve had with drought in the area we’ve got an opportunity to recover and really bounce back.

"What had worked before was not working any more. We knew that we needed to change as a district and that farming needed to change as a business model."

Commonwealth Bank General Manager for Regional and Agribusiness Banking NSW, Tim Harvey, congratulated Rummery on taking home the coveted award this year.

"What’s amazing about Greg’s achievements is that while he was initially focussed on improving the viability of farms in the Walgett region, his contribution has been pivotal in changing practices all across the country," he said.

Brownhill Cup spokesperson Gordon Brownhill also commended Rummery on his passion for agriculture and his community.

"The work he has done to initiate change has had more far-reaching effects than he and his group at the time could have ever imagined," he said.

"Their efforts not only improved the long-term sustainability of the region’s yields and the community that depends on them, but they also helped shape industry best practice."

In addition to receiving the trophy, Rummery also took home a $2,000 prize.

The 2016 AgQuip field days ran from August 16 to 18.

Walgett agronomist bags farming top gong

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