It’s no overtly political statement and perhaps just pure coincidence but the announcement of yesterday’s Brownhill Cup winners this year at AgQuip will find some sardonic satisfaction among the farming families of the black soil plains.
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The winners, the Hamparsums of Drayton at Breeza, echo the story legion among many who share the legacy of life on the Liverpool Plains.
They’ve been doing it for some 50 years and even now principal John is circumspect in admitting he’d taken over his dad Ian’s passion for the land and innovation. He also candidly reckoned his family’s involvement in protecting farming land against mining might have assisted the judge’s decision.
Drayton borders the 35 square kilometre site for the proposed Shenhua Watermark coal mine. Like many, the Hamparsums are petrified the mine will cause irreparable damage to the water system and put at risk the viability of one of Australia’s most important food bowls.
John Hamparsum believes it is a touchstone issue and that they’re reaching a tipping point.
There’s a proud and prestigious history to the Brownhill Cup and it is a coup for John and his family, including sister Juanita Hamparsum, who have been recognised for their outstanding efforts in implementing farm fertilisation methods designed to improve land sustainability while maximising productivity and profit.
They have had a strong belief that research and development has to remain a high priority if producers in this country are to remain competitive with overseas markets.
John’s father Ian moved to the area in 1961, after recognising the potential in the black fertile soils. Since the beginning the family has been trailblazing the industry. Drayton was one of the first irrigated properties and among the first in the plains to successfully grow cotton. When Ian passed away in 1998, John and Juanita took on full-time farm management. Their strong approach to land conservation through improving water and nutrient efficiency is widely acknowledged throughout the industry.
The Hamparsums have taken a sustainable and balanced approach to fertilising crops that has not only helped preserve the land, but has also reduced their inputs while increasing yield.
John has travelled the world researching farming methods and bringing back the most effective and efficient methods available.
The family’s philosophy is to manage the soils for the future generation.
The irony of the win this year will not be lost on the farming families they live among. John’s mission now is to pass onto his children better, more fertile land. More power to them.
