Awards
Bruce Hancock receives BIGG’s first Lifetime Membership
The Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) has awarded its first Lifetime Membership to Barossa local, Bruce Hancock. Awarded in recognition of his invaluable service to BIGG, Bruce received the accolade at the BIGG Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September this year.
Bruce Hancock – Fellow of the Australian Society of Animal Production
In July 2018, long time BIGG supporter and mentor, Bruce Hancock (Senior Livestock Consultant, PIRSA-Rural Solutions SA) was bestowed as a Fellow of the Australian Society of Animal Production. Bruce received this prestigious award at the society’s biennial conference in Wagga Wagga, for his tireless commitment to developing the livestock industry and mentoring the next generation. Bruce received the award from ASAP President, Phil Hynd.
Ag Ex Grower Group Award
The highly valued Ag Ex Alliance Grower Group Award, sponsored by Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), went to Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) for putting forward an educational proposal to benefit their members, the local and broader agricultural communities.
BIGG win for Barossa farmers
The Landcare Association of SA Conference and Awards Dinner in Clare last week was a fruitful occasion for Barossa farmers and Landcarers.
The Barossa Improved Grazing Group was one of the lucky winners at Tuesday night’s awards presentation, held at Clare Golf Club.
BIGG picked up the gong in the Australian Government Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices Award after being selected as one of three finalists.
BIGG wins state landcare award!
The State Landcare Awards were held in Clare on 12th September 2017 where BIGG won the Australian Government Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices Award.
The award recognises an ‘individual, group or organisation that has demonstrated excellence and leadership in implementing integrated land management practices to a farm property or properties that protect soils, water and vegetation’.
James Graetz – SA citizen of the year & Mid-Murray council citizen award
In January 2017, Keyneton farmer James Graetz was awarded the SA citizen of the year in a ceremony at Government house in Adelaide. He also received the Mid- Murray council citizen award. James is a long time member of the Angaston Bureau, including recently serving as chairperson.
State Resilient Australia Awards
In December 2016 BIGG/Angaston Ag Bureau received a Highly Commended Award for our Eden Valley bushfire recovery and resilience program. The program assisted producers to optimise the re-building of native pasture and livestock in the wake of the fire.
The State Resilient Australia Awards recognise initiatives that improve community safety and resilience, and empower individuals, communities and organisations in the preparation, recovery and response to emergency events.
AgEx Sustainability Award
In 2014 BIGG was awarded the Ag Excellence Alliance Sustainability Award by its peers (sponsored by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources) as ‘an outstanding locally based grower group for its achievements in delivering greater NRM outcomes’. We received $2,000 for the award which we used to help develop our current strategic plan.
Georgie Keynes – Innovative Young Landcare Leader Award
BIGG Technical Facilitator, Georgie Keynes was successful in winning the 2013 South Australian Westpac Agribusiness Innovative Landcare Leader Award, and was subsequently a finalist in the National Landcare Awards in 2014. Georgie was recognised for her passion for sustainable land management, technical and leadership skills, on-farm experience, and personal commitment.
AgEx Encouragement Award
BIGG’s parent group, the Angaston Agricultural Bureau, received an Encouragement Award at the 2012 Ag Excellence Alliance Forum for its various activities, including a farming resource forum attracting over 70 attendees, which focussed on sustainable cropping and grazing systems.