Third generation Breeza farmer's the Tudgey family have been awarded the 2026 Brownhill Cup at the annual AgQuip Grower Forum today, hosted by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development(DPIRD), Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and NSW Farmers.
Each year the Brownhill Cup celebrates the people who contribute to NSW primary industries by developing and supporting new and innovative ways to enhance farming practices and ensure sustainable long-term productivity.
With his wife Jillian, sons Jock and Brad and daughter Clare, Dave farms 2,400 hectares with about 600 hectares of irrigation. The family operation, Trinkey Farms, has grown steadily to develop a highly successful farming business. In 2023 Dave was a finalist in the 2023 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards.
Presenting the trophy for 2026, Mr Gordon Brownhill said, the Tudgey's are always looking at the latest innovations in the district and adopting them in their production system.
"Each year, the award highlights the people whose work is making a real difference for farmers, regional communities and the future of our industry," Mr Brownhill said.
"The Tudgey's are an early adopter of new technology to increase productivity and long-term sustainability."
The Brownhill Cup award has a proud history stretching back more than four decades, and it continues to celebrate the knowledge, service and innovation that help drive Australian agriculture forward.
NSW DPIRD Director of Cropping Systems, Dr Guy McMullen, said the Brownhill Cup is an important award that recognises the contributions of leaders in the grains industry.
"Congratulations to the Tudgey family on receiving the Brownhill Cup. This award is recognition of their very successful farming operation and the adoption of new technology to support profitable and sustainable practices." Dr McMullen said.
"Today's recipient joins a distinguished group of past winners whose work has delivered lasting benefits for industry and farming communities across NSW."
The Brownhill Cup trophy was donated by the Brownhill family of 'Merrilong', Spring Ridge, as a perpetual award to encourage landholders to adopt conservation farming and efficient management practices.
The competition began in 1983 as the Livestock and Grain Producers' Association Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year held between Quirindi, Currabubula/Werris Creek, Pottinger, Gunnedah and Boggabri district councils.
The competition attracts wide community interest and is well supported by landowners and the agricultural industry, with the recipient selected by a local committee.
