The Weekly Times Coles 2016 Farmer of the Year awards nominations now open

NOMINATIONS for The Weekly Times Coles 2016 Farmer of the Year awards are now open.

Happy family: The Weekly Times Coles 2015 Farmer of the Year Grant and Naomi Sims celebrate their win with their children River, Shiloh and Hunter.

WELCOME to The Weekly Times Coles 2016 Farmer of the Year awards.

We are searching for the best farmers from across Australia, those leading the way, who constantly strive to improve their business and are finding success in their efforts.

Each week The Weekly Times, theweeklytimes.com.au and DecisionAg and FARM magazines feature great stories of farmers excelling in their field, from industry stalwarts to new players starting their agricultural journey.

All farmers who appear in the paper, magazines and online are eligible to win one of six categories:

— CROPPING FARMER OF THE YEAR

— BEEF FARMER OF THE YEAR

— SHEEP FARMER OF THE YEAR

— DAIRY FARMER OF THE YEAR

— HORTICULTURE FARMER OF THE YEAR

— FARM MAGAZINE OUTSTANDING FARMER OF THE YEAR (FOR SMALL, PART-TIME AND LIFESTYLE FARMERS)

From the winners of these six categories, one farmer will ultimately be crowned The Weekly Times Coles 2016 Farmer of the Year.

Each category winner will receive $5000 in prizes, with the Farmer of the Year receiving $10,000 cash.

Winners will be announced in February and profiled in our special Farmer of the Year magazine.

So, if you know someone who deserves to be recognised as an outstanding farmer, let us know.