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[PRESS RELEASE] Quarter-century celebration of state wheat competition calls for last minute entries

Announcement posted by Writers Who 24 Oct 2023

Suncorp Bank/AgShows NSW Dryland Field Wheat Competition set to mark 25 years

A mixed bag of entries is expected thanks to a dramatic weather shift from last year's widespread flooding to the current El Niño conditions celebrating 25 years of the Suncorp Bank/AgShows NSW Dryland Field Wheat Competitions. 

 

Some farmers received more rain than others, certain paddocks retained moisture from last year's floods, while others have faced a very dry season. 

 

This intriguing blend of factors has inevitably shaped the long-term impact on the crops, making this milestone competition an interesting one to judge in 2023.

 

"In different regions, production outlooks differ. Some farmers are optimistic about an increased production thanks to favorable growing conditions, while others are contemplating whether it's even economically viable to harvest their crop," Dave Herbert, Chair of the Wheat Advisory Committee, said. 

 

A 24 percent decline from the previous year's record-breaking winter crop of 63.85 million tonnes is anticipated by Rabobank.

 

"While there will be less wheat around than in previous years, it will still be very interesting to see which areas have performed better over others, and to evaluate the impact of different management practices," Dave said. 

 

"As we celebrate 25 years of recognising the outstanding achievements of wheat growers in New South Wales, AgShows NSW is proud to reflect upon the competition's importance in supporting the sustainability and profitability of wheat production throughout NSW.

 

"Established in 1996 after the ASC saw the need for a yield-based competition, the Dryland Wheat Competition offers immense educational value to participating growers.

 

"It's a very effective way to encourage sustainability and productivity in the industry."

 

The 2023 edition will also acknowledge a decade-long partnership with major sponsor, Suncorp Bank, whose support has been a cornerstone of the competition's success. We express our sincere gratitude to Suncorp for their unwavering commitment over the last ten years. 

 

"Suncorp are proud to support the grain growing community in NSW and we look forward to celebrating 25 years of the Suncorp Bank Dryland Field Wheat Competition. This competition is a representation of excellence in agriculture and we are privileged to be part of this legacy," Jenny Taylor, District Manager Central NSW, Suncorp, said. 

 

The competition is also sponsored by FlexiCoil, Lowes Petroleum, Dual Chelate Fertiliser and The Land Newspaper. 

 

The judging process will begin next month, with Northern growers first in the firing line. Following this, Western, Central and Southern districts will follow suit to determine the top five crops in each region. The announcement of the regional and, ultimately, the state winner will be announced at the 2023 Wheat Presentation Dinner in Dubbo on 12th January 2024 at Club Dubbo. [END]   

 

Judge Frank McRae, Jason Wright, and Ben Graystone from Suncorp Bank.

 

The cut-off dates for the 2023 Dryland Field Wheat Judging are as follows: 

 

  • Northern: 25th October 2023
  • Western: 8th November 2023
  • Central: 15th November 2023
  • Southern: 22nd November 2023

 

Growers can enter through their local competition. The following is a map of local areas and the coordinators for each: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1aluVffv-PKhVca-24MdMhsQOS8o&ll=-32.53761622559335%2C174.72810462930136&z=7

 

 

Past State Dryland Wheat Winners

Rob and Mandy Taylor - 2021 (Central Region) 

Yarrabah Pastoral Company - 2020 (Central Region)

Scott & Julia McLeod - 2019 (Southern Region)

Illinois Farms Pty Ltd - 2018 (Central Region)

 

Past Durum State Winners
BC & BM O'Neill-Shaw- 2022 (Central Region) 
Simon Thompson - 2021 (Central Region)
Glenn & Rachel Fernance - 2020 (Northern Region)
Richard and Michael Bowler - 2019 (Central Region)
Tamalie Farms - 2018 (Central Region)

 

NORTHERN

Baradine, Barraba, Bellata, Bingara, Boggabri, Bourke, Burren Junction, Coonamble, Crooble, Croppa Creek, Delungra, Garah, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Gurley, Inverell, Manilla, Moree, Mungindi, Narrabri, Narromine, North Star, Nyngan, Tottenham, Walgett, Warialda, Warren, Wee Waa

CENTRAL

Alectown, Binnaway, Canowindra, Carcoar, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Cowra, Cudal, Cumnock, Dubbo, Dunedoo, Eugowra, Forbes, Grenfell, Gulgong, Gunnedah, Manildra, Mendooran, Merriwa, Molong, Parkes, Premer, Quandialla, Quirindi, Spring Ridge, Tambar Springs, Tamworth, Wellington, Werris Creek, Wirrinya, Woodstock, Yeoval

SOUTHERN

Albury, Ariah Park, Bribbaree, Boorowa, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Culcairn, Harden, Henty, Holbrook, Howlong, Illabo, Junee, Puccawan, Temora, The Rock, Wagga Wagga, Walbundrie, Wallendbeen, Young

WESTERN

Ardlethan, Bogan Gate, Barellan, Barmedman, Beckom, Berrigan, Burcher, Condobolin, Caragabal, Corowa, Deniliquin, Finley, Ganmain, Griffith, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Leeton, Lockhart, Merriwagga, Narrandera, Oaklands, Peak Hill, Rand, Rankin Springs, Trundle, Tullamore, Tocumwal, Top Woodlands, West Wyalong, Weethalle, Ungarie, Urana

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