LOCAL agricultural organisations and schools are encouraged to undertake activities to highlight why Millicent should be crowned the inaugural winner of the State Government’s Ag Town of the Year competition.
The town has been announced one of five finalists in the running as a result of a strong application submitted by Wattle Range Council, with residents within the primary industries sector considering the honour well deserved.
Millicent will compete against Cleve, Kapunda, Langhorne Creek and Renmark for the prestigious title, which will be announced at the South Australian Regional Showcase celebration event on October 11.
Council development services director Steve Chapple urged the agricultural industry and wider community to get involved and demonstrate why Millicent deserved the title.
“We will be undertaking public meetings and facilitating ways to make Millicent really stand out and we hope to start that over the next week,” Mr Chapple said.
The council director was hopeful schools would support the bid and showcase their unique agricultural curriculum activities.
The nomination has been welcomed by those who work within the primary industries, with John Chay and Co. stock agent John Chay saying the honour was well deserved.
“Millicent is a very safe and secure area in terms of reliable rainfall and so we consistently see a high quality product,” he said.
“In particular this district is renowned for the weight of its lambs.”
Mr Chay has seen younger farmers in particular embrace technology and innovation in their practice, however he believes that Millicent’s prime position in South Australia’s rainiest region gives it the edge.
“Our biggest asset is definitely the rainfall, which gives us quality country for not only horticulture but forestry and all of the jobs that come out of those industries.”
Elders SA/SE branch manager Scott Altschwager, who is based in Millicent, attributed the town’s strong agricultural credentials is not only due to the environment but due to farmers taking extra measures to get the best result.
“Millicent is a very productive agricultural environment,” Mr Altschwager said.
“Our farmers and pastoralists are very innovative and are involved and up to date with the latest requirements and regulations in the primary industries.
“We have reliable rainfall, quality soil and we have one of the most diverse areas for agriculture in South Australia.”
Mr Altschwager identified some of the biggest industries in Millicent as small seeds, grains, cattle, sheep and pigs.
“If customers want it, it is here and it’s of the best value.”
The criteria for being considered an Ag Town of the Year included being able to demonstrate excellence in growing primary industries and expanding regional development, with Millicent’s application based around innovation, export and trade.
Within the application, Mr Chapple highlighted the regions’ niche agricultural products, including Mayura Station’s Wagyu beef and speciality seed production with these seeds creating $3m in value.
The town is also recognised for creating high volumes of feed production and the town is supported by three large-scale agricultural supply operators and a recent major development has been undertaken by the Millicent Veterinary Clinic to bring the latest technology to farmers.
The saleyards create over $10m in sales per annum and there is a new dried milk processing plant within the region, with local dairy operations continuing to meet their targets.
The council is currently creating and reviewing business plans for a small-scale kill abbatoir, a regional horticulture precinct on the outskirts of town and supporting initiatives in biomass and bio char energy production.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said the application showcased the diversity of Millicent’s agricultural activities.
He said Millicent now needed to illustrate why it deserves to be crowned the inaugural winner and urged the community to get involved.
“The pride in our regional towns and how they are inextricably linked to agriculture has been highlighted through this awards process,” Mr Whetstone said.
“The stories of these towns really paint a picture of the agricultural innovation, diversity, leadership and community spirit that exists within them.”
