23 June 1995 1995 Lincoln University Foundation Farmer Of The Year Award Entries Called From Sheep Farmers

"Strong interest has again been expressed in the Lincoln University Foundation Farmer of the Year Competition," says Andrew Donnithorne, the Foundation Secretary. "The category this year is for Sheep farmers with a special emphasis on lamb production, however the judging will be on total performance; entries close on 11 August 1995. The success of the 1993 and 1994 competitions is clearly a factor in the interest shown by potential entrants this year," he said.

The competition is open to all South Island Sheep farmers who are wintering at least 1500 sheep and deriving at least 55% of their income from them. The competition is open to all farmers who qualify above and includes partnerships, managers and share farmers. The prime criteria for judging, amongst other things, will be excellence in financial performance and lamb production. Entry forms and the Prospectus are available from Federated Farmers provincial offices, the Foundation and the Primary Industry Bank of Australia.

The winner of the competition receives, as well as the title, a travel award of $7,500; two other subsidiary travel awards of $3,000 and $2,000 are also awarded to the finalists in the competition. The competition and the subsequent field day on the winners' property are sponsored by the Primary Industry Bank of Australia (PIBA). "The Field day is an ideal opportunity to bring farmers together to observe and share successful management techniques in their industry," says competition judge and PIBA's South Island manager, Alister Bennett. "The Field Day at the 1994 Winners, Russel and Norma McDonald of Te Anau, attracted 150 farmers from all over the South Island."

For further information on the competition or a copy of the Prospectus, contact Errol Costello at PO Box Lincoln University, phone (03) 3253 832 or Fax (03) 3253 840.