23 July 2010
Moree aerial applicator a finalist for prestigious cotton industry awards
Melbourne, 23 July 2010 – One of Moree’s most promising young aerial applicators, David Warburton, has been nominated as one of three finalists in the prestigious Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever of the Year Award 2010, sponsored by Bayer CropScience, to be announced on 12th August at the Gold Coast.
David, who manages his family business, Aircair, an aerial application group of companies operating in the Namoi, Gwydir and MacIntyre valleys, was selected for the Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever of the Year Award for his focus on and achievements in minimising critical incidences of aerial operations.
The Chris Lehmann Trust, established in 2006, promotes the development of young people in Australian agriculture and is awarded to those who, through their hard work and dedication, are helping to shape the future of the Australian cotton industry.
Joerg Ellmanns, Managing Director of Bayer CropScience in Australia said, “Bayer CropScience is honoured to be the sponsor of the 2010 Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever of the Year Award, which recognises the innovative contribution made by young people, like David, to the industry.”
“Our family is focused on the longevity and sustainability of the cotton industry and through the adoption of GPS tracking and interfacing and the use of highly accurate weather forecasting, modeling and recording tools we’ve done much to eliminate off-target application,” David said.
“Using new technologies, such as internet-based weather forecasting, we plan jobs up to two or three days in advance ensuring we deliver applications in a safe, accurate and effective manner.”
With an emphasis on community, David holds regular face-to-face meetings with local residents to discuss the business’ practices and is a major financial supporter of local organisations, heavily sponsoring the Moree Ruby Union Club, the picnic race circuit, the Moree Show, Pallamallawa Rodeo, and both the Gwydir Valley Cotton Grower Association and Lower Namoi Cotton Grower Association annual dinners.
“Our vision of a healthy and safe aerial application business goes hand-in-hand with a vibrant and prosperous cotton industry, operated by local family-owned farmers,” said David.
Speaking of the Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever of the Year Award, David said, “As a non-cotton producer, I am moved and honored to be recognised for this award.”
“I see a bright future for the cotton industry, and it is awards such as the Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever of the Year Award and support from companies like Bayer CropScience that ensure young people see the cotton industry as a viable, sustainable and profitable industry to be part of – and that’s really important.”
The recipient of the award will receive $5,000 bursary for travel and accommodation within Australia to study agricultural and agronomy related issues to develop new skills and continue contributing to the industry through their professional development.
About Bayer CropScience
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer CropScience AG, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 6.5 billion (2009), is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and traits. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of 18,700 and is represented in more than 120 countries. The Australian head office is located in Melbourne.
Contacts
Fleur Wilkins, Communication Manager, Bayer CropScience
T +61 3 9248 6851
M +61 448 817 842
E media.australia@bayercropscience.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.