The farm is now eligible for the Australia Day Council of NSW and Return and Earn State and Environment Citizen of the Year award.

Blantyre Farms owner Michael Beveridge accepted the award from Hilltops mayor Brian Ingram at Young’s Australia Day ceremony at Carrington Park.

The farm in 2011 became the first farm in Australia to have a registered project under the Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative Program. 

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It allowed the farm to install a bio-gas generator to capture methane from pig manure and turn it into electricity. 

Mr Ingram said owners Michael and Edwina are “leading the way in sustainable farm practice”.

“This initiative generates 2000 mega watts of electricity each year and has removed 65,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere,” Mr Ingram said.

The farm was announced as a Green Globe award winner in resource efficiency in 2018. 

These awards recognise organisations that have implemented practical solutions for clean energy, water saving and conservation, waste avoidance, resource recovery and/or recycling practices. 

“They’re committed to sustainability, using resources to increase efficiency and reduce waste. They are environmental champions,” Mr Ingram said.

Michael Beveridge said the Hilltops region was a great place to live and work.

“This is a real honour to win the award,” Michael Beveridge said.

“The Hilltops region is lovely as is the people. All of our employees come from the area, it’s a really lovely place to live.”

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The winner of the Australia Day Council of NSW and Return and Earn State and Environment Citizen of the Year award will receive $5000 to its community initiative. 

Last year, Blantyre Farms reported that it employs 40 full time staff members and contributes over $2.2 million in wages to the local Young community. 

The farm also plays host to a number of local and city school visits.