The Billyanco Pty Ltd operators are among three finalists selected from across Australia for the prestigious awards, which celebrate excellence in sustainable irrigation, innovative water management and environmental stewardship.
Sam and Carla run a family-owned broadacre irrigation enterprise at Hartwood, near Deniliquin, using 2250 hectares of irrigated country to produce a rotation of winter and summer crops.
Also nominated are Queensland growers Ross and Ingrid Uebergang and Tasmanian producer Will Bignell, of Bothwell, on the national finalists list.
The awards recognise farmers who are leading the way in responsible irrigation and continuous improvement across Australian agriculture.
Awards coordinator Sarah Elliot said the calibre of nominations remained exceptionally high.
“Many of the growers who participate are quite humble people who are simply focused on doing their job as well as they can,” she said.
“The awards provide an important opportunity to recognise their achievements and celebrate the positive contribution they make to Australian agriculture and the environment.”
Irrigation Research and Extension Committee (IREC) executive officer Iva Quarisa OAM said the finalists demonstrated there was no single approach to sustainable irrigation.
“The finalists have shown that there’s not just one way to go about farming,” she said.
“Sustainable irrigation can look different on every farm, but what is common across them all is that each farmer has a willingness to learn and adapt.”
Judges are expected to visit each finalist's property later this month for on-farm assessments, examining how their irrigation systems contribute to productivity, profitability and sustainability.
The winner will be announced later this year.
Finalists and winners will share a prize pool worth more than $20,000, including weather stations sponsored by Metos and travel vouchers to attend the Trailblazer Irrigation Study Tour in New Zealand's South Island from April 4-9, 2027.
