The Federal Government’s Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation gives a $10,000 bursary to each State and territory winner. Krysteen, a member of a third generation farming family, is up against Mary Retallack of Crafers West and the winner will be announced later this month.

A win would enable Krysteen to research other high rainfall farming areas, with a focus on high value crops grown under irrigation.

“It’s about finding out what else we can grow under irrigation (in the area) that’s worth the same amount of money or more, and assists with improving our irrigation efficencies” she said.

Krysteen wants to research other potential crops for the Limestone Coast and put together a practical guide that will cover all necessary information including:

Opportunities available to farmers and contacts.

How and where farmers can get further information about the crops.

How to implement the new crops.

Krysteen also encourages young people and women to look seriously at moving into the agricultural industry.

“It’s all about...returning to farming and convincing people in the city that it’s a good industry to be in.”

Krysteen and her husband Bradley have been working alongside Jeff and Lynne McElroy on their property for over 25 years and aim to be efficient in all areas of production and use of resources.