Ash WhittakerPicture this: It’s the end of a hot, dusty day in the Northern Territory. You’ve been in the saddle for hours, walking out weaners. You’re tired, sore, hungry and thirsty. You’re on your last run before the sun sets…. but then you hear the word “esky!”
As far as you and your horse are concerned, the day is done!
Bronte Tremlett captured the moment a ringer left the cattle to his colleagues and took an early mark in search of a cold drink.
This fantastic photo, titled “Race to the esky”, took out the top prize in the 2024 National Agriculture Day photo and video competition.
Lamb love
In second place was Tamara Ward’s heartwarming “Grow ewe beaut one!” featuring her daughter with Lilly, a poddy lamb.
Tamara said Lilly the Lamb had a rough start, but bonded with her daughter through lots of cuddles, pats and milk bottles.
Lilly was eventually weaned and put into the paddock, but Tamara said the loving sheep would come and say hello to her human family every time they dropped by.
“Over the past 4.5 years, the love these two share has not faded but has grown. Lilly has grown to be one of our biggest, healthiest ewes and has given us 3 lambs so far,” Tamara said.
And the bond has strengthened Tamara’s daughter’s love of the farm.
“She is developing and growing her stock handling skills and is eager to grow bigger so she can help more. You could say these two beauties have been growing up together. Such a good thing!”
From little things, big things grow
A winning video of the amazing journey of a canola seed was awarded a runner up spot.
Agronomist Mark Habner from Cummins in South Australia put together a beautiful bedtime story for his young son.
“I wanted to tell him a story about growing canola and decided it would be cool to follow its journey from when it arrives on the Eyre Peninsula (most canola seed is hybrid and brought into the area) until it is shipped out to be made into oil,” Mark said.
I would drop off my GoPro to capture timelapses in the morning and pick it up at night.
The video was a labour of love over many weeks, and a lost GoPro in the mix!
“Most of the footage was shot on one of my client’s properties … I did this most weeks throughout the growing season.”
Calm cattle
Jasmine Stewart snapped this peaceful pic on Flora Valley Station in West Australia, as the weaners were being moved calmly through the yards.
It was among the four entries awarded a runner up gong.
The weaners are always curious, often coming up and licking my lens if I sit still enough.
“In this image you can see the one curious weaner watching me with every move,” Jasmine said.
“Working in the northern cattle industry with these beautiful animals is a privilege and these are years of my life that will forever hold such a special place in my heart.”
Jaz is no stranger to Australian Farmers and has previously shared her amazing story of life in the Top End as a camp cook, ringer and photographer!
Cream of the crop
National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said it was fantastic to receive more than 500 competition entries this year.
“Best of all, it’s about the pride and purpose knowing you are feeding and clothing people in Australia and across the globe,” Mr Jochinke said.
The NFF teamed up with Syngenta for the competition, with the agricultural company providing $5,000 in cash to share between six winners.
National Agriculture Day – or #AgDayAU – is held on the third Friday of November each year.
2024 #AgDayAU Photo & Video Competition Winners:
First place: Race to the esky
Photographer: Bronte Tremlett, Limbunya Station, Northern Territory
Second place: Grow ewe beaut one!
Photographer: Tamara Ward, Tincurrin, WA
Runner Up: Canola – Grow You Good Thing (video)
Photographer: Mark Habner, Cummins, SA
Runner Up: Future Farmer Monty
Photographer: Alisha Campbell, Goondiwindi, Qld
Runner Up: Stand Out
Photographer: Jasmine Stewart, Flora Valley Station, WA
Runner Up: Nothing Runs Like a Deere
Photographer: Sascha Estens, Moree, NSW
Stacey Davidson
Angie Asimus
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