Mr Green, 38, is a third-generation farmer who runs his mixed cropping and livestock farm The Glen at Cressy. The Glen is run by Mr Green, his twin brother Tom and parents Michael and Prudence, spans 4500 hectares at Cressy and comprises peas, grass seed and poppies.  

They also lease out land for the production of potatoes, broccoli and carrot seed. The farm also runs 1000 merino sheep and 1000 Angus beef cattle that makes up the grazing component of the business.

As part of his award, Mr Green has received a scholarship from Rabobank and Simplot to attend the flagship program for Australia and New Zealand’s leading farmers.

The program covers all aspects of business management, including strategic goal setting, negotiation, risk management, leadership and technology.

With the course designed for key decision-makers in the business, Mr Green said the opportunity to attend the program had come at the optimal time with the increased size, and complexity of the business. 

 “I am looking forward to mixing with the other farmers on the course, as they will all have different ideas and ways of looking at things,” Mr Green said.

“I have found from being involved in a benchmarking group that so much of the learning comes from your peers, and the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded farmers from not only Australia, but also New Zealand, will be invaluable.” 

The Rabobank Simplot Young Grower of the Year award was announced at the recent Simplot Growers awards dinner, held at Ulverstone. Mr Green was presented the award in front of more than 200 fellow growers and industry stakeholders  at the dinner.

Rabobank acting state manager Stuart Whatling said Mr Green was “very well-regarded” in the industry for his innovative and forward-thinking approach to farming.

“The foresight Will has shown at just 38 years of age is extraordinary and we look forward to seeing him further his leadership and management skills by attending Rabobank’s executive development program.”

Mr Green returned to the family business in 1999 and in the 20 years since he and his family have more than doubled the size of the farm.

“We have gone through a period of strong growth in recent years, so we will be looking to consolidate and grow the business through efficiency gains,” he said.