The 2023 Brownhill Cup was awarded to the Duri Agricultural Bureau at today's AgQuip Grower Forum hosted by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and Grains Research and Development Corporation with NSW Farmers.
A record crowd witnessed the presentation of the Brownhill Cup, along with NSW DPI experts providing research updates.
Over 104 years old, the Duri Agricultural Bureau is a collective of over 25 farming businesses who meet every three months to discuss common farming issues and hear from guest speakers.
Duri Agricultural Bureau's President, Ms Emily Stirling, was present at the Grower Forum to receive the Cup.
"As a group we are incredibly humbled to receive the Brownhill Cup, as recognition for the work the group has done within the district through successive generations of farmers," Ms Stirling said.
"The Ag Bureau has continued to provide a forum for our members to meet on a regular basis, share information and support each other".
Not many Agricultural Bureaus still exist after they were founded in 1910 by the Department of Agriculture to disseminate information and organise educational activities in rural areas, but Duri remains active.
Ms Stirling said Duri's key focus and interest is in crop competitions, improving practices and sharing information with members. Many Duri members also host research trials for NSW DPI and other research organisations.
"The Duri Agricultural Bureau have always worked closely with public and private organisations and commercial companies to access the best information and technology to improve our practices and shared that information with our members and that remains our focus today", said Ms Stirling.
The Brownhill Cup recognises and celebrates people who contribute to our primary industries, developing and supporting new and innovative ways to enhance farming practices and ensure sustainable long-term productivity.
NSW DPI's Director Northern Cropping Systems, Dr Guy McMullen said it is great to see a grower led organisation as the recipient of the esteemed Brownhill Cup this year.
"The Duri Agricultural Bureau is a building block for not just farming practice excellence in this district, but also friendship, support and camaraderie for growers that goes a long way in supporting members during the good years and challenging times.
"With drought preparedness being at the top of everyone's mind, and the latest State Seasonal Update showing drought conditions have continued to develop in the north, north-east and south-east regions of NSW, being a member of a group such as the Duri Agricultural Bureau provides great support and the ability to learn, improve and see best practice and innovation.
"Congratulations to Duri Agricultural Bureau on receiving the 2023 Brownhill Cup".
The Brownhill Cup was donated by the Brownhill Family of 'Merrilong', Spring Ridge, as a perpetual trophy to encourage landholders to apply conservation farming and efficient management practices.
The competition commenced in 1983 as the Livestock and Grain Producers' Association Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year held between Quirindi, Currabubula/Werris Creek, Pottinger, Gunnedah and Boggabri district councils.
The competition attracts wide community interest and is well supported by landowners and the agricultural industry. The recipient is selected by a local committee and was presented to the Duri Agricultural Bureau by Mr Gordon Brownhill.
