Agriculture makes up a large part of the Western Plains local economy. Our region is known for its extensive agricultural activities, and several key sectors contribute to the industry's success; grain, livestock, horticulture, cotton, to name just a few.

But our challenging climate can take its toll on farming and the ability to adapt and innovate management practices is very important. When it comes to innovation, did you know we have an Australian award winner living among us?

Tony Single, a third-generation farmer from Coonamble received the 2023 Kondinin Group and ABC Rural Australian Farm of the Year Awards this year.

 Mr Single was given his award for Excellence in Innovation for his progressive approach to farming. His family manage 4400-hectares in an operation that includes winter cereals, oilseeds, pulses, sorghum and a trade cattle enterprise.

One notable innovation Mr Single and his brother Ben developed is the Single Shot drone-based weed mapping system, which helps with farm planning and implementing herbicide applications accurately.

"We were concerned there wasn't an accurate, cost-effective solution for managing hard to control weeds and we didn't want to revert to ploughing," Tony said. "With my brother Ben leading the project we developed a drone-based weed mapping system."

"The Single Shot system scouts and maps weeds with the final output being a shape file ready to be uploaded to compatible sprayers with GPS boom section control enabling spot spraying. This helps us better plan for, and implement, herbicide applications."

 Ben White, Kondinin Group General Manager of Research, said Mr Single's forethought and planning ensured his farm was able to withstand environmental changes and continue evolving as a progressive cropping and livestock enterprise.

"Innovative farming doesn't have to be the biggest changes or the greatest implementation of technology or R&D on farm," Ben said. "Innovative farming is thinking ahead, considering what is on the horizon and what is most appropriate for the individual needs of the farm, then employing strategies to help fortify the business and make it both profitable and resilient."

Mr Single chairs the Grain Orana Alliance (GOA) board, a not-for-profit research group supporting regional farmers in implementing best practices and engaging in research and development. Giving back to the industry and supporting successful farms are central to his work.

"Giving back to the industry is important to me, and I am proud of the outcomes GOA has achieved. Supporting farmers in the region to implement best practise, engage in R&D, and ultimately operate successful farms, is what it is all about," Mr Single said.