Yass Landcare Network of Landcare Groups (YAN) is delighted to announce that Gary and Hansie Armour, ‘Te Kooti’, Bookham are this year’s winners of the JCH Betts Memorial Landcare Award.
Nan and Mary-Jane Betts recently presented the award on behalf of YAN and congratulated Gary and Hansie Armour for their amazing achievements, and role modelling sustaining agriculture with protecting and value adding to the environment.
Mary-Jane said; “We are thrilled to present the John Betts memorial Landcare award to Gary and Hansie. Gary’s amazing results over many years of enhancing Te-Kooti with his handy ability to repurpose old tools! Seeing Gary demonstrate his homemade tree seeder and achieving many kilometres of tree lines is fantastic.”
“There is nothing more satisfying seeing tree lines establish returning multiple benefits and diversity back into our landscape.” Mary-Jane continued.
Nan added: “John (Betts) would have loved seeing Gary and Hansie’s property today, he was a great advocate for protecting our environment, land, and water; Gary will no doubt, inspire others for what is achievable.”
This award recognition celebrates Gary and Hansie's unwavering dedication spanning over two decades toward the rejuvenation and transformation of their property, 'Te Kooti'.
Upon taking over the land from Gary’s father in 2001 during a dry spell, they encountered a stark, treeless landscape due to previous land clearing practices.
Their commitment to environmental restoration was evident as they actively engaged with local organisations advocating for landscape revegetation. Notably, their participation in projects like 'Webs of Burrinjuck' encouraged landowners to establish tree lanes connecting Childowla Road with existing habitat pockets on their properties. They both completed a Holistic Management Course, enhancing their grazing practices and decision-making capabilities.
Inspired by mentors Leon Garry and John Betts, Gary initiated trials in direct seeding of trees and shrubs. The efficiency and impact of this method became evident as Gary, using a converted plough, accomplished a monumental feat, sowing a one kilometre stretch across five rows of trees in just a day. This monumental achievement, a stark contrast to the labour-intensive tube stock method, solidified their conviction that direct seeding across their expansive 1000 Ha property was the optimal approach.
Gary estimates that he has completed 20 kilometres of multi row tree lanes since he started. The tree lanes run along existing fencing lines and mostly in a north south direction to cut across the prevailing westerly winds.
Upon receiving the award Gary said he was humbled to receive this award,
“John Bett was such a role model for me, and I like nothing more than watching my soils improve and native grasses return as the years roll by”
Hansie said, “It has been wonderful to see the results achieved by Gary’s dedication. In our business model the soil comes first by using our sheep as a tool in the process, birds and wildlife return. The cream on the cake for us is that it also improves our bottom line."
Gary and Hansie remain committed to their journey of environmental restoration and sustainable agricultural practices. They are active members of the Bowning Bookham Landcare group regularly attending the groups Landcare Farming grazing days and recently hosted a field day on their property showcasing the method of direct seeding which has been used to revegetate their property.
The Yass Landcare Network proudly honours Gary and Hansie Armour for their visionary stewardship, innovative practices, and unparalleled commitment to environmental sustainability.
Writen by Sarah McGrath, YAN Local Coordinator
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About the JCH Betts Memorial Landcare Award
The JCH Betts Landcare Award commemorates the memory of John Betts, a foundation member of YAN, who made a major contribution over many years to Landcare in the Yass region. The award is made to a person who has made an outstanding and long-term contribution to Landcare. The winner is chosen by the YAN committee.