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 was one of the main drivers in bringing people together to initiate the Barossa Improved Grazing Group, under the Angaston Ag Bureau in 2012. Since this time, he has provided advice, support, and direction for guiding BIGG and has been one of the key components in BIGG’s success.
Chair of the Barossa Improved Grazing Group Ian Koch says the acknowledgement for Bruce’s contribution and support to BIGG is well deserved.
“Bruce continues to help develop new opportunities, partnerships, and activities for BIGG,” Ian said. “He has provided leadership in his role as a BIGG mentor for the past eight years, as well as provided a mentoring role for the Board, Technical Facilitators and Executive Officer.”
“He is a true advocate for the group, always speaking highly of BIGG and helping to improve BIGG’s connection with the local community. He conducts himself with a smile, notebook in hand, and real understanding of farmers. His experience in developing programs for farmers makes a real difference for the agricultural industry,” he said.
Georgie Keynes, Executive Officer of BIGG says the Lifetime Membership celebrates those who have provided invaluable recognition and service to BIGG.
“This is the first BIGG Lifetime Membership to be awarded,” Georgie said. “It is an honour to present this award, and we couldn’t be happier that Bruce was the recipient.”
“Decisions to award Lifetime Memberships are made on the basis of long association with the activities of BIGG, service to the group above what is normally expected, significant leadership, outstanding innovation within BIGG’S activities, and enhancement of the standing of BIGG in the local community,” she said.
The BIGG Membership has been operating for 12 months and is open to all producers. It will be open again in January 2021. BIGG membership provides many benefits to recipients, including a free ticket to the BIGG Conference on the 18th February 2021, discounted events, new resources and learnings.