BARRAMUNDI farmer Nick Arena has been named the 2016 NSW Farmer of the Year, in front of the three other finalists including two from the New England region.
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Tingha apiarist Casey Cooper and Walcha beef cattle and sheep producer Jock Nivison, along with Taree egg producer Peter Matuszny, were also in the running.
Mr Arena’s business, at Bobs Farm near Port Stephens, is the largest barramundi farm in NSW.
It has 1440 sq m of tanks and produces 1000kg of fish a week.
Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said Mr Arena was a leader within the land-based fish production industry and was committed to promoting the state’s primary industries sector.
“Nick has been recognised for his outstanding farm management skills and innovation. He has implemented business monitoring systems to improve the efficiency of his operations, including an alert system which tracks water flow, airflow and power supply, daily water testing, fish behaviour and growth production reports,” Mr Blair said.
NSW Farmers’ president Derek Schoen said all four finalists were industry leaders and committed to safety and environmentally sustainable practices with profitable production.
“Mr Arena, along with Casey Cooper, a beekeeper from Tingha; Jock Nivison, a mixed farmer from Walcha; and Peter Matuszny, a free-range egg farmer from Taree, are all clearly hardworking and innovative leaders who are passionate about farming,” Mr Schoen said.
“It’s primary producers like this year’s finalists that ensure the food and fibre we all get to enjoy are of a high standard.”
The award is presented by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW Farmers, with support from The Land and SafeWork NSW.
Mr Arena has received a cash prize of $10,000 and the other finalists received $2000 each.