Agri

A sugarcane producer and tomato farmer are celebrating after receiving the fourth annual BCU Bill Ussher Agricultural Scholarships announced at BCU Pro-Ag in Macksville.


The major scholarship for $7,700 was presented to Chris Shannon, a sugar cane farmer from Chatsworth Island. Chris was commended for taking positive steps to rectify the impact of narrowing margins on his business.

Fellow scholarship winner Anthony Sark from Ricardoes Tomatoes received $3,300. Anthony was recognised for his commitment to producing high quality produce and developing an important tourist attraction and employment opportunities in the Port Macquarie district.

 



BCU’s Agri Lending Manager Rod Cross visited the farms of all six finalists in the judging process and was impressed with the quality of all applicants.

The Bill Ussher Agricultural Scholarships were developed in honour of founding BCU Chairman Bill Ussher.

In 2008 BCU increased funding for the scholarships to $11,000 in recognition of the wealth of innovative local farming initiatives and the importance of agribusiness to our community.

This year was the first time non-BCU run farms were eligible to nominate.

Scholarships can be used to access education and training or to network with other industry professionals.

Visit www.bcu.com.au to nominate for the 2009 BCU Bill Ussher Agricultural Scholarships.

For more details and entry requirements, talk to your local BCU agri-business lender or branch manager.

Previous winners 

 

Photo 1 2007 winner, Tim Zirkler (right) of Premium Rhones Creek Blueberries and runner-up Rosalie Nowland (left) of Summerland Pecans with Bryan Ussher (centre) (photo: Belinda Scott/Coffs Advocate)

Photo 2 2006 runner-up finalist, Steve Manton of The Big Oyster, Port Macquarie with BCU’s Betty Hartnett, Lending Manager, Port Macquarie (left) and Shirley O’Keefe (centre).

Photo 3 2006 winner, Desmae Harrison of Megan near Dorrigo

Photo 4 2005 winners, Bronwyn and Graham Finch of Lakeview Fresh Mushrooms of Boambee, near Coffs Harbour, with BCU’s Brian Leiper.