ALL Harrison Clifton wanted to do was help his dad out on the farm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Corowa lad never anticipated the invention he created to do so would earn him $1000 and the regional title of The Land and NSW Farmers Association Farm Inventor of the Year, announced yesterday at the field days.
Now the 18-year-old The Scots School Albury student will take his invention — the “ewe lift” — to the national finals in Orange next month.
“I just wanted to talk to farmers today and get some feedback today ... I wasn’t expecting this,” he said.
And it has been positive, with many interested in his invention, which makes it easier for farmers to lift sheep on to the back of a ute, and doubles as a trolley.
“Dad’s using it on the farm already,” he said.
It also doubled as his year 12 design technology project — but now could have the potential to go commercial.
“That’s the hope, to sell a few,” he said.
“I got some business cards just in case.”
NSW Farmers Association president Fiona Simpson, who announced the winners, said Harrison was “a good example of youth getting involved in our industry.”
Second prize and $500 went to Rod Sheppard from Marysville for his “Pump Defenda”, which protects water pumps, the “forgotten part of fire defence plans”.
Mr Sheppard will also join Harrison with an automatic entry in the national finals.
Peter Mack of Wandiligong won the encouragement award and $300 for his “Packhoe”, a trail and fire tool that comes apart so it can easily be packed away and transported.
