The McFarlanes

When Young-based farmers Donald and Julie McFarlane sowed their Marombi-variety wheat crop last year, the couple never expected it to yield quite as well as it did. Not only did the McFarlanes reap more than 7 tonnes of grain per hectare, the couple also won the 2005/06 NSW Dryland Field Wheat Competition for the crop, beating a number of contenders from around the state to become the first ever farmers from their local area to win the award. Yielding 7.3 tonnes, the crop on the McFarlanes ‘Stumpjump’ property was awarded the honour in the competition which included more than 45 competitors from around New South Wales. Thrilled with the honour, the couple said the win was evidence their crop management techniques had been successful in maximising yield potential. Described by judges as “excellent” and scoring well in all areas, the crop’s entry in the competition, run by the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW, was the first for the couple in more than 20 years. Commenting on the McFarlane’s achievement, Senator Nash said the win was an example of the determination and resilience of farmers to survive tough times. “As life on the land steadily improves in the wake of the drought, it is just great to see farmers like the McFarlanes recognised for all their hard work – not only in terms of the crop’s yield, but also for what it represents in regard to their successful and innovative farm management skills,” Senator Nash said. The couple have a long history in the farming sector. Donald has farmed at the couple’s property located 10km west of Young for the past 30 years while Julie has had an active role in the GM debate, having been a founding member of the Network of Concerned Farmers and a current member of the NSW Gene Technology Advisory Council. Winners of the 2005/06 NSW Dryland Field Wheat Competition, Young-based farmers Donald and Julie McFarlane displaying their trophies. Photo courtesy of The Young Witness.

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