IN the hinterland of the NSW North Coast, the Jhorar family is carving out a future in horticulture.
“Upon trying a few crops, we selected macadamia and blueberries. Now some of our blueberries are at the production stage and we are looking forward to harvest soon,” says Om Jhorar, who runs the farm with wife Savita.
They are first-generation Australian farmers, keen to learn best practice from around the world, so were thrilled to win a trip to the Calgary Stampede in a promotion held by NSW Farmers and insurance partner WFI, who have been in the business for 100 years.
“Savita and I were born and brought up on farms,” says Om. “We have been farming enthusiasts right since childhood with the understanding that the farming profession is the best of the best.”
Savita and Om on their blueberry and macadamia farm in Woodburn.
The pair will visit the
Calgary Stampede, the annual rodeo and agricultural festival in Alberta, Canada that bills itself as the greatest outdoor show on Earth, in July.
Events at the Stampede include the famous rodeo, agricultural competitions and exhibits, country music concerts and a giant market celebrating country and western related products.
Their prize, which includes flights, accommodation, VIP access to events and spending money, is worth up to $8,000.
“Winning the trip to the Stampede means we can see the best food-producing region of North America and give us an opportunity to get exposure of farming practices and celebrations in a part of the world we would have hardly been able to explore,” says Om.
Calgary sits in the south of the province of Alberta, which holds one-fifth of Canada’s total irrigation area. This makes it an ideal place to grow a variety of high yielding crops – so much so, Alberta is responsible for approximately 12% of the world’s total pulse production (including dry peas, beans, faba beans and lentils).
The couple are proud of their membership of NSW Farmers, and belong to the Lismore/Alstonville branch. Through NSW Farmers, they were introduced to WFI.
Savita and Om their dogs show Peter (centre) around the farm.
“NSW Farmers enjoys a close alliance with WFI – our members receive a membership rebate for insuring with
WFI,” says James Jackson, President of NSW Farmers, of the deal with WFI, that has been in place for over 20 years.
Says Om: “WFI has given us the best service. We tried several insurance agencies but the best and most convenient services we found were from WFI. As a result, step by step we consolidated almost all our insurance policies with WFI. Until now we needed to make an insurance claim only once – that was processed very quickly without hassles.”
Says Glenn Rosbrook, national manager – strategic alliances & partnerships at WFI: “We’re thrilled to be able to award the winners, the Jhorars, with a trip to the Calgary Stampede.
“WFI and NSW Farmers developed the promotional campaign to encourage members to switch and/or renew their insurance business to WFI.
Members can deal directly with their local WFI area manager who will take the time to understand their needs, tailoring an insurance package to suit.”