Farm Weekly

Winners return energised from Growth Awards study tour

Moree-based agronomist Tony Lockrey, left, is pictured with the study tour group outside Syngenta's Jealott's Hill facility, Berkshire, England.
Moree-based agronomist Tony Lockrey, left, is pictured with the study tour group outside Syngenta's Jealott's Hill facility, Berkshire, England.

Growers today face a tough challenge: to sustainably feed a growing global population. That's why in 2013 Syngenta launched The Good Growth Plan - to make a lasting and positive impact on farmers and rural communities who provide the world's food security and to support the long-term sustainability of our planet.

In Australia and New Zealand, Syngenta's Growth Awards were designed to recognise a range of outstanding contributions to Australasian agriculture and to profile and acknowledge leading growers and advisors.

In 2018 at a gala dinner in Sydney, the last eight Growth Award Winners were announced, chosen from a field of 26 regional winners. The winners took part in a week-long study tour of the UK and Europe as part of their prize. This opportunity enabled them to see another side of agriculture and foster stronger working relationships within the industry. They visited London, the Royal Farms at Windsor, Syngenta's research facility at Jealott's Hill as well as Syngenta's Head Office in Basel, Switzerland. They also had the opportunity to attend the UK Cereals Event in Lincolnshire and even fitted in a trip to Lucerne the summit of Mt Pilatus.

One of these winners was Tony Lockrey, who said that while it was a "massive week" he'd had the opportunity to "meet amazing people, share ideas and gain new understandings".

"Syngenta should be congratulated for their people, progress and position of leadership in the Agriculture industry," he said.

A drive to provide the best he can for his clients and community sums up the Moree, NSW agronomist. Tony's role involves providing on-farm advice, but ensuring that advice is valuable to his client's businesses has led to a strong involvement in research and development.

In his position with AMP's Agribusiness, Tony takes the lead in organising field days, farm walks and research trials which address local issues. With a long list of involvement with industry bodies, Tony's influence and impact is far and wide. He is very community minded and stepped up as a chaplain for the local rugby club after a member of the club committed suicide.

Tony also organises a monthly men's campfire which has attracted up to 70 men, who are encouraged to talk about anything. Tony said "there has been a real freedom of speech given much of the talking is done in the campfire light."

Find out more about the Good Growth Plan by visiting syngenta.com.au