Darkan farmer Ray Harrington was recognised for his commitment in pursuing a more sustainable future for agriculture at the Syngenta Growth Awards.
Mr Harrington was awarded the prestigious Case IH award, which acknowledges significant contribution to the fields of agricultural productivity, sustainability and a commitment to community and people, at a ceremony in Sydney on November 30.
Mr Harrington was recognised for the more than 40 years he has spent improving the field of agriculture through his inventions. Along with his brother David, Mr Harrington invented a knifepoint system that allowed him to use no till when sowing crops.
Mr Harrington also invented a device which destroys weed seeds during harvest, which may reduce the need for herbicides in farming.
The other winners on the night included Daniel Nicoletti, Bruce Shepherd and Luke Marquis for productivity, Duncan Young and Kirrily Condon for sustainability and Andrew Bulmer and Peter Calabria for in the community category.
“The Syngenta Growth Award winners have been chosen from across the spectrum for their strong passion for agriculture and challenging complacency in our industry,” Syngenta’s Australiasian Territory Head Paul Luxton said.
“Their innovative work is helping to ensure a sustainable future for Australian and New Zealand agriculture, through developing new technologies, supporting their communities and making new technological advances and information available to their peers.”