A multi-generational farming family from Tarriaro has been named The Weekly Times Coles 2025 Farmer of the Year at a gala ceremony held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last Friday.
The Eather family, from Bellevue Pastoral Company near Narrabri, have been recognised for reshaping a traditional irrigated enterprise into a diversified future-focused agribusiness, driving gains in efficiency, sustainability and labour productivity.
Operating across several properties in the Namoi and Riverina regions, the Eathers grow cotton, cereal crops, almonds and, more recently, citrus.
Their expansion has been underpinned by a strong focus on soil health, water stewardship and long-term productivity.
The family also claimed the Innovative Farmer of the Year title.
Julia and Thomas Eather represented the family at the gala ceremony with their parents Darren and Leanne unable to attend the celebration.
Darren told NewsCorp, publisher of The Weekly Times, that he was a passionate farmer and proud to advocate for the industry.
“I love it,” Mr Eather said. “We are challenged all of the time, we are working with family above and behind us, and you get to work in nature every day.”
When speaking with The Courier after awards finalists were announced, Darren said it was completely unexpected.
“We don’t do it for the accolades,” he said.
More information on The Weekly Times Coles 2025 Farmer of the Year winners can be found at theweeklytimes.com.au and in The Weekly Times print edition, available Wednesday, February 18.
Read more in The Courier’s earlier story here: https://narrabricourier.com.au/2026/02/05/eather-family-finalists-for-farmer-of-the-year-honour/
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