Durham wins 2024 Brownhill Cup

Mullaley farmer Ross Durham has been awarded the 2024 Brownhill Cup at the annual AgQuip Grower Forum, hosted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Grains Research and Development Corporation and NSW Farmers.

The Brownhill Cup recognised Mr Durham for his contribution to soil conservation practices, research and industry leadership, as well as his work mentoring the next generation of farmers.

Each year the Brownhill Cup celebrates the people who contribute to NSW primary industries by developing and supporting new and innovative ways to enhance farming practices and ensure sustainable long-term productivity.

Alongside his family, Mr Durham has long been considered an early innovator of soil conservation practices with the early adoption of zero-till and controlled traffic farming in Mullaley. Gordon Brownhill, who presented the award, said Mr Durham’s conservation farming system and experience in diverse cropping rotations have allowed him to protect his soil resource and be responsive to market price opportunities and seasonal conditions.

“Over the years Mr Durham has modified and designed equipment to counter some of the early challenges of using a zero-tillage farming system to increase water use efficiency and improve soil fertility, and he has generously shared his knowledge and time with his peers, researchers and the younger generation,” Mr Brownhill said.

Mr Durham contributed to research through the early days of the local Research Advisory Committees and has spent time as chairman of the Regional Durum Growers Association and served on the Grains Committee of the NSW Farmers Association.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Director of Northern Cropping Systems, Dr Guy McMullen, said it was great to see Mr Durham receive the esteemed Brownhill Cup this year.

“Mr Durham has been a great advocate for soil conservation practices and diverse cropping rotations for decades, and the industry is lucky to have someone with his knowledge and experience showing the industry how it is done,” Dr McMullen said.

“Congratulations to Ross Durham on receiving the 2024 Brownhill Cup”.

The Brownhill Cup was donated by the Brownhill family of ‘Merrilong’, Spring Ridge, as a perpetual trophy to encourage landholders to adopt conservation farming and efficient management practices.

The competition began in 1983 as the Livestock and Grain Producers’ Association Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year held between Quirindi, Currabubula/Werris Creek, Pottinger, Gunnedah and Boggabri district councils.

The competition attracts wide community interest and is well supported by landowners and the agricultural industry.

The recipient is selected by a local committee and was presented to Mr Durham by the Brownhill family.