From paddocks to Parliament: Junee farmer Martin Honner earns statewide praise

A LOCAL leader in agriculture, emergency services and rural innovation, Martin Honner has been officially recognised in the NSW Parliament, with Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP rising this week to honour his decades of service.

“Martin is an outstanding community member whose contributions span farming, emergency services, and industry representation,” Ms Cooke told Parliament.

A well-known figure across the Junee district and the wider Riverina, Martin operates a 1,100-hectare mixed farming property at Marinna, where he runs sheep, cattle and grain operations.

But it’s his tireless advocacy for the agricultural sector and his hands-on leadership in rural communities that truly set him apart.

A voice for Australian grain growers

Martin is the Chairman of the Junee NSW Farmers branch, a long-serving member of the NSW Farmers Executive Council since 2007, and an active participant in national agricultural policy discussions.

He’s also played a key role on the Grain Growers National Policy Group, where he has championed issues such as infrastructure, storage, transport, varietal quality, and global market engagement.

A practical thinker, Martin has long advocated for more streamlined and market-driven varietal development — prioritising quality, efficiency, and the needs of both growers and global markets, rather than an ever-expanding list of grain varieties each year.

45 years with the RFS

In July, Martin was awarded a 40 Years Long Service Medal for his incredible 45 years of volunteer service with the NSW Rural Fire Service, including his long-standing leadership with the Marinna Bushfire Brigade, where he serves as Vice-Captain and Secretary.

Steph Cooke acknowledged this commitment in Parliament, describing Martin as “a committed leader” whose work in emergency services is just one part of a lifetime of public service.

You can watch Ms Cooke’s address below.

Leading the way in on-farm technology

Martin has also embraced innovation, recently installing smart surveillance systems on his property through the Australian Government’s On-Farm Connectivity Program.

Prompted by rising rural crime rates, the technology has helped Martin improve safety, monitor operations remotely, and protect both people and property.

“This tech not only offers peace of mind and protection,” said Ms Cooke, “but allows Martin to better monitor on-farm operations and staff welfare.”

With his deep knowledge of the land, his commitment to rural communities, and his enduring leadership in the paddock and beyond, Martin Honner continues to embody the very best of regional Australia.

“He exemplifies the values of innovation, leadership, and service for the ag sector and for rural Australia,” Ms Cooke concluded.