A huge congratulations to Andrew Polkinghorne,named Grain Producer of the Year at the inauguralSouth Australian Grain Industry Awards!
We couldn’t be prouder of Andrew, who’s been a Ramsey Bros customer for many years and is pictured above receiving his award from Elders SA General Manager Bernard Seal. His commitment to forward-thinking farming and dedication to advancing the grain industry truly sets him apart. It’s fantastic to see him recognised for his contributions to South Australia’s agricultural sector. This award reflects not only his hard work but also his family’s long-standing influence in the industry. Andrew’s farm, located at Lock on the Central Eyre Peninsula, is a great example of the hard work and perseverance that the Polkinghorne family has shown over the years. His parents purchased the farm in 1966, and since then, the business has grown. Today, it covers over7,000 hectares, where they grow wheat, lentils, canola, and barley, and have also previously raised merino sheep. “We’ve always tried to be at the forefront of agricultural innovation,” Andrew says, reflecting on his family’s approach to farming. “When we took over in the late ’80s, we made it our mission to improve the farm and continue expanding. It’s been a steady journey, and we’ve always been open to trying new things.”
A forward-thinking approach
One of the reasons for Andrew’s continued success is his willingness to try new practices. For example, in 2003, he switched to using liquid phosphorus, which led to an impressive 19% increase in yield. This decision was backed by thorough research and has become an important part of how he farms. “We’ve always tried to stay ahead of the curve. The decision to switch to liquid phosphorus was backed by solid research, and it paid off,” Andrew explains. “While the costs of fertiliser have risen in recent years, we’ve continued to adapt and modify our approach to ensure we’re getting the best results. ”Andrew’s farm has also embraced new machinery, although he’s not one to jump into every new trend without careful consideration. “We try to be early adopters, not innovators. We look at the risks and rewards before diving in, and we make changes gradually.”
Global insights
Andrew’s forward-thinking approach has been shaped even more by his international experiences, especially through his Churchill Fellowship. Last year, he spent 11 weeks travelling to places like Canada, the USA, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK, learning about the latest trends in liquid fertiliser and soilcare. It was a chance for himto see how other countries aretackling agricultural challengesand promoting sustainability.“Seeing how different countriesare approaching things was eye-opening,” said Andrew. “In placeslike Canada and Germany, thereare some practices that couldreally benefit Australian farmers.It’s important to stay connectedto global research and trends ifwe want to stay competitive andsustainable.”Succession planningAnother key reason for Andrew’saward is the recognition of hiswork in succession planning.Since his son Tim joined thebusiness in 2012, the Polkinghornefamily has focused on planningfor the farm’s future. Andrewhas always believed it’s crucialto have a clear, structured planin place to ensure a smoothtransition for the next generation.“Succession planning hasn’talways been easy, but we’vemade a conscious effort to getit right. I’ve been fortunate thatTim has shown a real interestin farming, and together we’veworked with experts to ensure asmooth transition.”Andrew credits David Heinjusand the Pinion Advisory team fortheir guidance throughout thesuccession planning process.“Their expertise has beeninvaluable,” he said. “We’velearned a lot from them, andwe’re in a much better place thanthe previous generation.”The planning process hasincluded setting target dates,making key decisions about landand equipment, and ensuringthe business stays flexible andadaptable. While it’s been agradual transition, Andrew feelsconfident about the future.A shared journeyAlthough Andrew is now steppingback from the day-to-dayfarming work, his passion foragriculture remains as strongas ever. His son Tim, along withhis partner Ellen, now managesthe farm’s daily operations, whileAndrew provides strategic input.“I’m nearing retirement, but Istill love being involved in thebusiness and contributing whereI can,” Andrew says. “Retirementdoesn’t mean stepping awaycompletely. I still enjoy drivingthe header or tractor when I can,and I’m proud of what Tim andEllen have done to keep the farmthriving.”Andrew also keeps busy withhis involvement in variousagricultural bodies, including theSouth Australian Grain IndustryTrust and the EP AgriculturalResearch Foundation. These rolesallow him to continue influencingthe future of farming in the region.Andrew is also quick to pointout that the award isn’t just apersonal achievement — it’s afamily success. “I couldn’t havedone it without the support ofmy family. They’ve been thereevery step of the way, and theirdedication has made all thedifference.”Andrew’s story is a greatreminder of how importantforward-thinking, innovation, andcollaboration are in agriculture.His recognition at the SouthAustralian Grain Industry Awardsis well deserved, and we’reexcited to see the ongoingimpact he’ll have on the industryin the future.Congratulations again, Andrew,from all of us at Ramsey Bros.It’s a real honour to support along-time customer and see yourecognised for your dedicationand leadership in the grain