There is no denying the importance of food production on our ability to produce high quality food in a competitive environment, but it is very tough. Farmers day in, day out, deal with a whole range of factors that are beyond their control, but many still have the energy to be at the forefront of innovation. It is therefore particularly important that we champion food producers and applaud their efforts. This morning I pay tribute to four people in my electorate: Brad and Bec Couch from Brucknell, and Hayden and Jasmin Findlay from Moriac.
Brad and Bec won the Farmer of the Year award and also Dairy Farmer of the Year award at The Weekly Times Coles 2014 Farmer of the Year awards ceremony held at the Melbourne Museum. The couple milk 360 Friesian and Jersey cows and turn a profit despite fluctuating farm gate milk prices.