The Art4Agriculture team and Young Farming Champions are thrilled to announce…
The 2015 Merial Howard W Yelland Award for service to the Australian beef industry was today presented to rural and social entrepreneur and Jamberoo farmer Lynne Strong for her outstanding contribution to the improvement of Australia’s beef industry.
Lynne is the first woman to win the Merial Howard W Yelland Award, which recognises her “role as a pioneer in the development of the Art4Agriculture initiative and the Young Farming Champions program” and her “passionate advocacy of the role which agriculture and agricultural communities have in the Australian economy.”
The award acknowledges Lynne’s commitment to providing a strong connection between agricultural industries, food supply chains and consumers. The Art4Agriculture and the Young Farming Champions programs have given students in urban schools a “link to the land” and a focussed image of the role of Australian agriculture in sustainable food production, ensuring that Australian livestock producers are promoted as committed and responsible users of natural resources at the forefront of world’s best livestock practice.
Lynne said the award was a ground-breaking acknowledgement that what farmers do beyond the farm gate in the 21st century is just as vital as what they do behind it.
“If we are going to ensure a healthy and vibrant future for Australian families and Mother Nature – agriculture must be a partnership between farmers and the whole community,” Lynne said.
“This award is the beef industry saying we are proud of what we do, we have great stories to tell and we want to share our stories with the world,” she said.
“Most importantly this award is a salute to all the Young Farming Champions who are breaking new ground and starting a movement to help agriculture have the courageous conversations we all need to have to ensure we build lifelong and powerful partnerships of trust between farmers and the community.”
The award is presented by the Australian Beef Industry Foundation (ABIF) in conjunction with Marcus Oldham College, Geelong and is supported by Merial Australia. Selection criteria for the award includes: Recognition of extent of their contribution to the Australian beef industry; Recognition of their contribution both nationally and internationally; Leadership role as a change agent; and Contribution above their normal role in the industry.
Well done Lynne, from all the Young Farming Champions and team!
