Winner 2013 Powercor Moira Shire Business Excellence Awards for Excellence in Environment

Padman_Stops_Winner_Excellence_in_Environment

In the 23 years since Padman Stops was launched, the business has grown to incorporate its factory in Strathmerton employing over 40 local workers.

Padman Stops was rewarded with the excellence in environment award on Friday night through the implementation of theirfast flow irrigation technology project.

The aim of the project is to improve farmer’s patterns of water consumption and environmental behaviour.

The controlled application irrigation system works on sound environmental principals utilising the carbon neutral gravity flow system a win for farmers and the environment there are no high energy costs and no reliance on pump or diesel fuel to power the project.

It also aids future environmental preservation by reducing the water logging of crops and associated soil degradation through salinity, as well as preventing leaching of nutrients from the soil John said.

The fast flow technology project encourages farmers participating in Modernisation or the Governments On farm efficiency programs which enable farmers to do on farm upgrades while returning half their water savings to environmental flows.

Through dedication and commitment to the irrigation industry John and Shawn Padman’s  team produce the company’s key product, the Padman Stop – a 100% watertight rubber flap precast irrigation gates and automation  which simplifies automatic gravity flow watering turning inefficient flood irrigation into efficient surface irrigation

Padman stops supplies local farmers and extends to the rice and cotton industries of NSW and Queensland and exports its product to America New Zealand and Argentina.

They holds field days both in Australia and overseas informing farmers of innovative irrigation solutions giving them the motivation and inspiration for the future of farming creating vibrant rural communities encouraging sustainable and responsible farming practices into the future.

Cobram Courier Wednesday June 5th. Photo: Southern Regional Manager Personnel Group Craig Canham, John Padman and Moira Shire Councillor Peter Mansfield.

Winner of the Powercor Moira Shire Business Excellence Awards for Environmental Excellence 2010Awards_Padman_Stops_wins_Environmental_Excellence_Award_Powercor_Moira_Shire_Business_Excellence_awards_64

Moira Shire Mayor Cr Ed Cox congratulated the nominees for their outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence.

“I would like to congratulate the award winners and acknowledge the high calibre of the nominees. The business awards are an opportunity to celebrate business excellence in the Moira Shire” Cr Cox said.

Nominees have demonstrated innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and commitment.

These businesses and individuals have excelled in trying economic conditions and I once again congratulate them on their achievements,” Cr Cox said.

Photo: Moira Shire CEO Gary Arnold, award winner John Padman and General Manager Telstra Country Wide Northern Victoria Robert Bell.

Winner of the national 2008 savewater! awards® Regional & Rural category

 

award1

Judge’s Comments:

Padman Stops have been able to increase the efficiency of flood irrigation without increased energy use.
They have shown potential to make significant future improvements in the industry by means of on-farm efficiency, as well as environmental improvements as a flow on effect.

Winner of 2009 Riverland Numurkah and District Business Excellence Awardsaward2

Padman Stops picks up two Awards at the 2009 Riverland Numurkah and District Business Excellence Awards.

 Judges Comments for Excellence in Environment:

  Innovation, perspiration and persistence. An Amazing commitment to an idea that has been thoroughly researched and trailed with clear benefits being seen and promoted.
 The water savings through improved efficiency are evident in the field trials, not too mention the increased profitability being demonstrated.
 A very clear environmental benefit to the whole community.

Judges Comments for Excellence in Industry and / or Agriculture:

 This business has carved a niche for itself in the irrigation industry as a result of it’s owner’s inventiveness in creating the original Padman Stop device in 1990, a product that worked towards revolutionising the irrigation industry when first launched. The company is constantly innovating and improving its manufacturing processes. Its owner, John Padman, understands that networking is a key demand driver and he and his staff are actively involved with their customer base, even serving as an active member of the RDV Water Technologies Cluster. Padman Stops has been a previous finalist in the Moria Shire Business Awards and is this year a worthy winner.

Winner of 2008 Riverland Numurkah and District Business Excellence awards – Industry and /or Agriculture category

Judge’s Comments:

 award3Padman Stops is a truly revolutionary company. For over 20 years, owner John Padman has worked towards improving on-farm efficiency of flood irrigation with the invention of the “Padman Stop”, and more recently through the “Fast Watering Trials”.

The trials demonstrated water saving on three farms of over 180.92 megalitres of water, or the equivalent of 72 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The company provides employment for 12 full-time workers, and services irrigators across northern Victoria and beyond.

In the current climate and in the foodbowl of Australia, it is fitting to recognise the outstanding efforts of Padman Stops to save water, which is such a precious resource.