Waikerie farmer wins Sustainability Scholarship

As published in the Stock Journal

October 16, 2024

Tim Herrmann from the Department for Environment and Water (Sustainable Soil and Land Management), Agricultural Bureau of South Australia chair Janette Ridgway with 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship winner Tim Paschke from Waikerie. PHOTO: supplied by Ag Bureau

Waikerie Farmer Tim Paschke has been awarded the 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship in the Agricultural Bureau of South Australia (Ag Bureau) Spirit of Excellence Awards.

The 41 year old will receive a $10,000 grant from the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).

The Ag Bureau said the scholarship provided an SA farmer (aged 18 to 45) with the opportunity to enhance their personal and professional skills while promoting sustainable farming practices that benefit both their businesses and the environment.

Mr Paschke has implemented a range of innovative farming practices on his family’s 4500-hectare farm, including no-till cropping, stubble retention, and trials aimed at managing dryland salinity.

The Ag Bureau said Mr Paschke plans to travel to Western Australia and other regions to meet with farmers facing similar challenges and learn new techniques for tackling salinity and improving soil health.

“Being able to connect with other farmers facing the same challenges and learning from their experiences is invaluable,” Mr

Paschke said.

“I’m looking forward to bringing new ideas back to our farm and sharing them with the local farming community,” he said.

Agricultural Bureau of South Australia chair Janette Ridgway said Mr Paschke was a dedicated farmer, and his focus on improving both productivity and sustainability was exactly the mindset needed in agriculture today.

“His willingness to learn and share knowledge will benefit not only his farm but the wider community,” she said.

The 2024 Spirit of Excellence Awards showcase the dedication of South Australia’s young agriculturalists to continuous learning and community contribution.

“This year’s finalists exemplified the future of South Australian agriculture,” she said.

“They are innovative, dedicated, and deeply connected to their communities.

“The Agricultural Bureau congratulates the 2024 winners and finalists and looks forward to the lasting impact their work will

have on the agricultural industry and rural communities in South Australia.”