Marc Greening from Injemira Beef Genetics announced as The Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year

A NSW beef producer who runs one of Australia’s most successful stud cattle operations has been judged the nation’s best farmer. See all the winners.

Performing in the paddock, on the plate and in the profit books has handed a NSW livestock producer the title of Australia’s best farmer.

Marc Greening, of Injemira Beef Genetics at Book Book, near Wagga Wagga, in southern NSW, won Beef Farmer of the Year and was crowned overall winner across all categories at The Weekly Times Coles 2021 Farmer of the Yearawards in Melbourne tonight.

Injemira is one of Australia’s best known and successful Hereford studs, and alongside it Marc runs a lucrative grass-finishing operation, turning off up to 3000 steers and heifers a year that he buys as weaners from his own clients.

Turning his vision for a two-pronged beef business into a reality has been a dream realised over 21 years. Marc started with a single property and now runs six totalling more than 4000 hectares.

The Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year awards, celebrating 10 years, honour the best in beef, cropping, dairy, horticulture, sheep and innovation.

The awards attracted finalists from every state in Australia and were presented by Olympian Giaan Rooney and federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud. Each category winner received $5000, with the overall Farmer of the Year collecting a further $10,000.

FARMER OF THE YEAR AND BEEF FARMER OF THE YEAR

MARC GREENING, INJEMIRA BEEF GENETICS, BOOK BOOK, NSW

Marc Greening on his Book Book property. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

CROPPING FARMER OF THE YEAR

DAVIDSON FAMILY, MERRIVALE PARTNERSHIP, TAMBAR SPRINGS, NSW

The Davidson family grows 5000 hectares of wheat and barley and 1550 hectares of sorghum. They are active in local research work and have integrated technology, including soil testing, into their operation to drive profits.

Kate Gunn runs Merrivale Partnership with her family in NSW.

DAIRY FARMER OF THE YEAR

FRAMPTON FAMILY, GAWLER, TASMANIA

The Framptons run a herd of 400 crossbred cows with huge returns on investment. They are focused on efficiencies and herd fertility. Sustainability is paramount: they plant trees, don’t make silage, don’t use nitrogen and apply only maintenance levels of other fertilisers.

Rob Frampton at his farm at Gawler, Tasmania. Picture: Phillip Biggs

HORTICULTURE FARMER OF THE YEAR

MOON FAMILY, MOONROCKS, ST GEORGE, QUEENSLAND

Andrew and David Moon grow onions, garlic, pumpkin, broccoli and sweet corn across 526 hectares, supplying supermarkets nationally and employing up to 120 workers. They aim to reduce waste and during Covid released their G’Day Garlic range of garlic powders to counter a reduction in garlic orders.

Andrew and David Moon on their farm in southwest Queensland. Picture: Dust to Dawn Photography/AusVeg

INNOVATIVE FARMER OF THE YEAR

BEN AND KERRY HEINRICH, WUNDERBAR, BLACK SPRINGS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Ben and Kerry Heinrich run 1500 ewes on 900 hectares placing a strong emphasis on eating quality and animal welfare. They were the first lamb producers in Australia to be Humane Choice certified. The Heinrichs sell lamb direct to chefs, butchers, independent supermarkets and locals.

Ben and Kerry Heinrich with their children Archer 9, Emmison 10, Macartney 4, George 6 and Fredrick 8 on their Black Springs property. Picture Matt Turner.

SHEEP FARMER OF THE YEAR

HOOKE FAMILY, EAST LODDON MERINOS, WANGANELLA NSW

The Hooke family runs about 1000 stud ewes and 10,000 commercial ewes across 25,900 hectares. The family is putting a modern spin on Merino production in the western Riverina. Their flock is now 100 per cent mulesed free and has achieved Responsible Wool Standards accreditation.

Marcus and Tom with their parents Diane and Bill Hooke. Picture Yuri Kouzmin