The pig farm in Young won the Resource Efficiency category which recognises organisations that are conserving resources and reducing waste in the state. 

Family owned and operated Blantyre Farms has consistently looked for ways to make their farming activities more sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

Farm owner Edwina Beveridge has operated the farm for over 30 years and has focused on efforts to utilise food waste to create an economic and sustainable use of unwanted produce that would have gone to landfill.

“We are persistent and constantly improving how we manage food waste products; whether it is a failed fish finger, a day old loaf of bread or a bottle of chocolate milk,” Mrs Beveridge said.

“Every little bit of food waste used in our farming activities helps to create sustainable and environmentally friendly practices that support our local area.”

Blantyre Farms also harnesses and uses the methane gas produced by pig manure to power their generators, which creates renewable electricity for their operations.

The practices have removed approximately 65,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere since 2011.

Electricity used to be of the farm’s largest expenses and now is a revenue item. 

“It is great to have all our teams hard work acknowledged and recognised for the good things we do,” Mrs Beveridge said.

“Pigs are wonderful animals - not only can they turn food waste into pork; they allow us to generate our own energy and the opportunity to deliver some of this renewable power into the grid.”

Blantyre Farms employs 40 full time staff members and contributes over $2.2 million in wages to the local Young community.

The farm hosts school visits for students to learn firsthand experience about livestock procedures.