On The Land
13 June, 2024
Skybury shines on national stage
FAR North Queensland papaya and coffee was thrust into the spotlight at the Hort Connections 2024 Horticulture Awards for Excellence, where Skybury Farms manager Candy MacLaughlin was named a finalist in the Syngenta Grower of the Year category.
Although Candy was not named the winner, her efforts at Skybury were recognised on a national scale and inspired many farmers who attended the Hort Connections awards.
She said she was still proud of her achievements and the contribution she, the MacLaughlin family and Skybury staff have made to the horticulture sector.
“The fact that it is a national award is the ultimate significance and the biggest achievement,” she said.
“I cannot believe that the nomination was successful, and I guess the reason why is our involvement in the industry, our commitment to agritourism and education, and also papaya week, which we did last year.
“I think this is wonderful to be on the list of finalists, and I hope that this encourages other farmers to put themselves out there and not be afraid to tell people what they are doing.
“I think we need to have a really loud voice in the industry, and this is what being a finalist has given us, and that is how we will use it.”
