Media Release
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Industry Honours for Veteran Irrigator and Young Sheep Farmer
Agriculture Minister, Rory McEwen has congratulated Loxton irrigator and grape grower Lindsay Dowley, who’s received the Agricultural Bureau of South Australia’s 2008 Services to Primary Production Award.
Mr Dowley, 60, who is Presiding Officer of the Loxton Irrigation Trust and Director of the Central Irrigation Trust, was presented with the award at the Bureau’s Spirit of Excellence in Agriculture Awards, held in Adelaide tonight.
Mr McEwen said Mr Dowley has worked tirelessly to improve the state’s horticulture industry.
“He played a major role in getting the Loxton irrigation trust rehabilitated,” Mr McEwen said.
“A member of the Loxton Irrigation Bureau Branch since it’s formation in 1972, he has had a long association with horticulture improvement groups and industry organisations.
“These include the Riverland Vine Improvement Committee which he is now chairman, the South Australian Vine Improvement Committee and the Loxton to Bookpurnong Local Action planning group.”
Loxton Irrigation Agricultural Bureau member Bruce Tonkin, who nominated Mr Dowley for the award, said the irrigation pioneer was an exceptional recipient of the award.
“There’s nothing Lindsay can’t achieve or organise for that matter. He is very passionate about the Riverland and works hard to assist irrigators and growers to be the best that they can be,” Mr Tonkin said.
Agricultural Bureau of SA President Mark Dennis said Mr Dowley was a strong advocate for information sharing and leading South Australia’s horticultural industry towards on-going improvement.
“I commend Lindsay for his efforts in supporting growers in the Riverland, through his pioneering leadership and on-going lobbying for improved infrastructure for irrigators,” Mr Dennis said.
Mr McEwen also presented 24 year-old Kimba farmer, Brook Seal, with the 2008 Agricultural Bureau of South Australia Peter Olsen Fellowship for Young Farmers.
Mr Seal has been recognised for a trial of sheep covers on his family’s 5000 acre property.
“It’s encouraging to see young farmers exploring innovative techniques,” Mr McEwen said.
“Brook is just the type of forward-thinking young farmer the industry needs in ensuing it has a strong and viable future.”
Mr Seal, who manages his family’s farm, said winning the award was a privilege that would allow him to pursue his interests in sheep and wool production.
“I plan to use the bursary to investigate the benefits of the covers, ” he said.
“I’ll use them to cover my main flock of sheep after shearing and see if they help boost wool quality.
“I also plan to undertake a study tour of two properties that have already been using the covers.”
Agricultural Bureau of South Australia President Mark Dennis said Mr Seal is clearly an innovative go-getter who is passionate about the industry and motivated to improve farming systems.
“He has demonstrated that he has a plan to trial an innovative new farming technique on his farm, and also share with fellow farmers his results which could quite possibility improve the quality of our state’s wool production.”
The Fellowship is jointly sponsored by the Agricultural Bureau of SA and Primary Industries and Resources South Australia.
It is named in memory of Eyre Peninsula farming identity and Agriculture Bureau member Peter Olsen, who was one of eight people killed in the Whyalla Airlines plane crash in 2000.
Open to people aged between 18 and 35 who have been farming for at least the past 12 months, the annual fellowship provides $7000 to pay for courses, study tours or special projects that will enhance the skills of young South Australian farmers.
