Agricultural Bureau of SA
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, 8 October 2007
Awards recognise farming excellence
Both established and emerging farmers will be recognised at the Agricultural Bureau State dinner to be held in Adelaide on October 23.
The dinner includes the announcement and presentation of the annual Agricultural Bureau Service to Primary Production Award and the Peter Olsen Fellowship for Young Farmers.
Agricultural Bureau State President Mark Dennis said the dinner was an opportunity for farmers from all parts of the State to get together and recognise the achievements of their peers.
“The Service to Primary Production Award honours an individual who goes that extra mile in supporting and promoting farming as a vital industry in South Australia and the Peter Olsen Fellowship offers encouragement to younger people in farming who want to extend their opportunities and develop their farming knowledge and business,” Mr Dennis said.
The $7000 Peter Olsen Fellowship, sponsored jointly by the Agricultural Bureau of SA and Primary Industries & Resources South Australia (PIRSA), is open each year to South Australian farmers aged between 18 and 35. It was established in memory of the late Eyre Peninsula farmer and Agricultural Bureau stalwart Peter Olsen who was one of eight people who died in the Whyalla Airlines plane crash in 2000.
Port Pirie farmer Brendon Johns, 32, was awarded the 2006 Peter Olsen Fellowship. He has been using his bursary to undertake precision agriculture practices on-farm while continuing his studies for an Associate Diploma in Rural Business Management.
Rob Smyth from Cooke Plains was the popular 2006 winner of the Agricultural Bureau Services to Primary Production Award, recognising his contribution to farming, his community and the Agricultural Bureau movement over more than 45 years.
“I would encourage all Bureau members and friends to attend this very popular annual event,” Mr Dennis said.
“While it is very difficult to celebrate the season we’ve been having we can certainly celebrate the contributions and achievements of our colleagues.”
Media Contact: Agricultural Bureau State President Mark Dennis, Ph: 0428 844 250
What: Agricultural Bureau of SA Dinner and Awards Night
Where: Lirra Lirra Café and Bar
University of Adelaide Waite Campus
Waite Road, Urrbrae
When: Tuesday, 23 October 2007, 7pm for 7.30pm start
Note: Media representatives are welcome to attend. For catering purposes, please RSVP to Anne Madden on 82260351 or madden.anne@saugov.sa.gov.au by October 16.
