Allen Postlethwaite is the inaugural recipient of the BCG Harm van Rees Award for significant contribution to agriculture in the Wimmera Mallee region.
“Allen has been a pioneer in developing and applying new technologies, conserving and managing natural resources and constantly striving to improve productivity and sustainability” said Alexandra Gartmann, CEO of BCG.
Allen farms near St Arnaud with wife Yvonne, sons Neale and Trevor and their families. The farm comprises 6000 acres of freehold and leased land including 250 acres of native timber that is not grazed with livestock and supports thousands of young trees, native birds and animals.
The farm is a dry land farming business growing a range of crops in rotation. Prior to 1982 the farm utilised conventional farming systems. Since 1983 No Tillage and Stubble Retention techniques are used as well as Controlled Traffic and Row Cropping systems which were introduced in 1999. The farm is continuously cropped and there are no livestock.
“Allen overcame numerous challenges as he implemented a new system – machinery, management of straw and weeds. He was constantly adapting to new circumstances, and always willing to communicate the lessons for all to learn from” said Ian McClelland, Chairman of BCG. “He is an outstanding contributor to agriculture and continues to challenge us and the systems we apply”.
Allen is one of the four Farming Systems Champions, overseeing a long term rotational trial near Birchip and championing the no-till program.
The annual Award has been established by BCG to recognise a farmer, researcher, agronomist or industry individual, who has contributed innovation, commitment and significant change for agriculture in the Wimmera Mallee region.
The Award has been named after agronomist Harm van Rees whose dedication to the agricultural systems and farming businesses of the region contributed amazing advances in agricultural practices.
Allen received the Award at the annual BCG members field day held on 31st October.
