FARMER OF THE YEAR

Young Farmer of the Year Winner: Troy Blackman

Troy Blackman has been named the 2016 Case IH Young Farmer of the Year

Alex Paull

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Almost four years ago Blackman created the Waterfall Australia sustainable farming enterprise on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Spread over three properties in the Orara Valley, Waterfall first started as a Charolais stud before growing to include pasture raised beef and egg components, as well as local contracting, farm retail shop, weekly market stall, and farm tourism elements.

In the first year of full time farming, Blackman relished months of hard physical work on the properties to implement sufficient infrastructure and organically increasing pasture health. Knowing it would take time to grow the stud, he worked on ideas gained from studying international farmers, and visiting small but successful independent farmers within NSW.

The “chicken caravan” would soon become a critical piece of infrastructure for Blackman. It houses chickens 24/7 in the field for pasture, and after purchasing its first chicken caravan, the results were outstanding.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Sheep Yards (April 2025)

This month's Research Report includes more than a dozen case studies of new sheep yard builds and renovations from around the country. There are plenty of ideas to make the handling of stock more efficient and stress-free.

editions

Research Report: Large Square Baler Testing (March 2025)

This month Kondinin Group has capacity tested four high-density, large square balers in what is believed to be a first for Australia. Balers from Krone, Kuhn, Massey Ferguson and New Holland were put through their paces, working in windrowed straw.

editions

Research Report: Rural Communications (February 2025)

With the departure of 3G technology and the emergence of 5G and satellite options, there are significant changes on the connectivity horizon. This month Kondinin Group engineers Ben White and Josh Giumelli investigate what is the best way to stay connected in regional and remote areas.

editions

Research Report: Chaser Bins (January 2025)

Chaser bins play a vital role when it comes to on-farm grain logistics. The January Research Report features a comprehensive round up of the latest chaser bins of 30 tonnes-plus capacity.