The 2007 Bill Ussher Agricultural Scholarship, worth $5,500 (including GST) has been won by Macksville blueberry farmer, Tim Zirkler.

Accepting the award at a presentation ceremony held at the BCU Pro-Ag Mid-Coast Field Days in Macksville, Mr Zirkler of Premium Rhones Creek Blueberries spoke of the tremendous opportunities that currently exist in trialling new crops and technologies on the north coast.

Having acquired the abandoned blueberry farm in 2003, Tim, with this parents, has built up the business to make it viable again. Tim, who is also a trained accountant, plans to spend the scholarship money on a research trip to the US and Canada to study North American farming techniques and blueberry varieties. With the blueberry industry forecasting 30% growth over the next two years, Tim has plans to quadruple the number of plants he currently manages and to tap into the lucrative blueberry export market.

This year’s runner-up finalist was Rosalie Nowland of Summerland Pecans, based in Nana Glen. Rosalie and her family have operated their pecan farm since 1991, after moving from the Central Coast. ‘First we tried cattle, but the farm was too small. Choosing pecans meant a 10-year wait for the trees to mature, but the initial wait has been worth it as the trees will now be productive for decades to come,’ said Mark Nowland, Rosalie’s son.

BCU’s prestigious scholarship, now in its third year, was set up to fund educational and professional development opportunities for BCU family-run farms, and honours BCU founding director and first member, the late Bill Ussher, a banana grower from Macksville.

'With the current drought and talk of long-term climate change, Australian agriculture needs new skills and resources to meet these challenges,’ said BCU Chairman, Gerry Regan, ‘The BCU Bill Ussher Scholarship provides a much-needed source of funding for north-coast farmers to access education and training and to network with other professionals to share ideas and increase skills.’

A common theme emerges over the three years since the scholarship was inaugurated; that is, of north-coast farmers eager to embrace change and innovation.

Previous finalists have included a mushroom farm at Boambee, an organic farm from
Megan near Dorrigo and an oyster farm at Port Macquarie. As well as the benefits offered by the scholarship prize money, previous winners have reported additional benefits, by way of increased sales and inquiries, from the publicity and media exposure the scholarship gives their business.

Applications and nominations for 2008 BCU Bill Ussher Agricultural Scholarship will be advertised in early 2008.