FARMER OF THE YEAR

Horticultural Grower of the Year: Matthew Bailey

Innovation is the aim of the game for Matthew Bailey, and the idea to introduce an insectarium to control pest and disease within his vineyard has been a game-changer.

Kristy Moroney
Horticultural Grower of the Year: Matthew Bailey

The insectarium has reduced chemical inputs without compromising production, quality or the environment, and Matthew is well on the way to creating a sustainable future for his operation in Victoria. Matthew first planted indigenous plants in 2006 to provide a habitat for natural predators. After seeing a dramatic increase in beneficial insects within the first three insectariums, and after moving them closer to the vineyards, it has gone from strength to strength and resulted in a drop of 75% in chemical usage. “The winner is our environment and a more sustainable wine industry,” Matthew said.  

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A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

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Research Report: Sheds

Sheds play a vital role in farming, offering shelter and protection for people, machinery, livestock and valuable inputs like chemicals and fertiliser.

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Research Report: Harvest Weed Seed Mills

The Report includes a round up of commercially-available batching plants as well as farmer-made approaches.

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Research Report: Agritechnica 2023

Kondinin Group’s Mark Saunders, Ben White and Josh Giumelli went to Agritechnica, Germany. This report covers the key award winners from the event and some of the latest autonomous platforms displayed.

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Research Report: Fronting Up

This Research Report looks at harvester fronts including research and expertise from Kondinin Group’s Ben White, with input from harvesting specialists Brett Asphar, Kassie Van Der Westhuizen, Murray Skayman and Martin Reichelt.