National Agriculture Day was held last Friday as a chance for all Australians to celebrate our farmers and thank them for ensuring safe, fresh, and reliable supplies of food.
In acknowledging the National Farmers Federation’s initiatives for National Agriculture Day, Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud said the future for agriculture was looking up.
“It has been a tough year for all Australians, with drought, bushfire, and a pandemic,” Minister Littleproud said. “Our agricultural industries and communities have again shown their strength and flexibility in both responding to these emerging challenges and taking advantage of new opportunities.”
“We’re putting our shoulder to the wheel with the agricultural sector to reach its goal of a $100 billion industry by 2030. We are delivering our Ag2030 plan, driving job creation and economic growth, while supporting recovery from drought, bushfires, and impacts of COVID-19.”
Australia is among the top 15 agricultural exporters in the world, exporting about 70 per cent of production to 192 countries, and the Australian government is committed to expanding these opportunities.
“At the heart of our agricultural industries and communities are the people who make it all happen. I thank our rural and regional Australian’s who are the backbone of our vibrant agriculture sector. National Agricultural Day is about looking to the bright
future ahead for our farmers and great regional communities,” said Minister Littleproud.
After a few tough years of drought, our farmers in the area are gearing up for a busy summer and harvest period which is set to see a fantastic result for all.
“The crops are phenomenal!” said farmer, Michael Payten of ‘Alfalfa’ Canowindra. “We’ve harvested some barley and canola resulting in some of the best yields I’ve ever had. We’re looking forward to harvesting our wheat crop because they look really promising too.”
Michael’s experience reflects many in the region, with bumper crops throughout the Central West. Higher levels of rainfall than usual, along with its timing and temperate winter conditions, despite the outlying storms, lead to bountiful and fluorescent yellow canola crops which adorned the countryside, a welcome change from the dust and dirt of the last few years.
The yield is especially welcome as the region comes out of a drought which was so dire, many experienced serious financial issues.
“Coming out of the drought this year is amazing,” Michael shared. “It’s really good for the soul because you get to a point when you’ve had two years of drought where you really start to wonder if it’s ever going to rain again. Not only the rain, but it’s been so timely and fallen so nicely and we’re towards the end of one of the best years I can remember in my forty years.”