The Weekly Times Coles 2014 Farmer of the Year is Brad and Becc Couch

SOUTHWEST Victorian dairy farmers Brad and Becc Couch have been named 2014 Farmer of the Year.

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February 20, 2015 - 7:41PM

The Weekly Times

Winners named: Brad and Becc Couch, pictured on their dairy farm near Timboon with children Charlotte, 2, and Jack, 3, have been named the 2014 Farmer of the Year. Picture: Zoe Phillips

SOUTHWEST Victorian dairy farmers Brad and Becc Couch have been named The Weekly Times Coles 2014 Farmer of the Year.

The Couchs were tonight awarded their title at a ceremony in Melbourne, attended by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford and television presenter Giaan Rooney.

The couple were recognised for their approach to dairy farming, which is simple, yet extremely effective.

By controlling costs, they are at the top of their game in a region hit by fluctuating farmgate milk prices in recent years.

Brad and Becc milk 360 cows on their 243-hectare farm at Brucknell, near Timboon in southwest Victoria.

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They work on the theory that they control what they can on their farm. They’ve cut costs to about two thirds of the district average and through an uncomplicated system geared around getting the most out of the cheapest source of feed — homegrown pasture — turn a profit year in, year out.

The Couch’s herd is ranked in the top 1 per cent for milk quality and they are focused on setting the business up for future generations.

The winners of the six categories — cropping, beef, sheep, dairy, horticulture and FARM Magazine — were also crowned.

Farmer of the Year awards

Cropping Farmer of the Year

The Bibby Family, Berriwillock, Vic