Farmer Of The Year Awarded To Jerilderie Couple Peter And Renee Burke

Jerilderie couple Peter and Renee Burke were named Farmer of the Year in The Weekly Times Coles 2019 Farmer of the Year awards, announced Friday 21st February. 

The Burke's were recognised for their innovative approach to farming and budgeting, demonstrated through a thriving business despite severe drought conditions.

Surviving on just a handful of water entitlements, the couple managed to produce 6,000 tonnes of grain and 8,000 bales of hay and straw from their 1,282 hectares. Their success followed the decision to lease water instead of buying it, which insulated their business from poor water allocations, and allowed for maximum returns as a result of the drought-led shortage of grain.