2011 NSW Farmer of the Year, Wellington farmer and special guest at the Wellington Show, Norm Smith.
NSW Farmer of the Year and local bloke Norm Smith, who runs the Glenwood Merino Stud with his family, said it was a great honour to be invited to open this year’s 137th Wellington Show on May 12.
“I was the chief steward of Merinos for 13 years, and I
have also exhibited for many years,” he said.
“The Wellington Show is a great community event that’s good for the town of Wellington.”
Mr Smith said the show is a time for both country and urban dwellers.
“It’s for the town and rural community,” he said.
“And it allows farmers to showcase their produce.”
In the Year of the Farmer, Mr Smith believes it to offer a great opportunity for people on the land to receive a well-deserved pat on the back.
“I don’t think you want to underestimate the role and the
important part played in the economy as part of the community,” he said.
“It’s nice to be recognised by having the Year of the Farmer.”
Mr Smith said it was timely to educate our city counterparts of the role played by the agricultural community.
“It’s a growing concern that city folk (don’t) hear about what goes on in the bush. It’s quite disturbing that there’s a growing divide.”
According to Mr Smith, who quoted figures from The Land, there is quite a large percentage of city people that lack an understanding of rural issues, particularly the younger
members of the population.
“Forty per cent of year 10 students think that farming is bad for the environment and 75 per cent think that cotton socks are an animal product.
“That’s a real concern.”
Mr Smith’s Twelve Mile Rd property has been in his family since 1898.