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Parkes, in central-west NSW, has another claim to fame, with a new Guinness World Record confirmed.
A local farmer and a baker now hold the world record for the fastest “field to loaf.”
In January, Parkes farmer Neil Unger teamed up with baker Morten Staer from Grain Growers Limited, with financial support from MSM Milling and the Manildra Group, to stage an attempt to topple the record for the fastest production of 13 loaves of bread from a standing field of wheat.
Mr Unger said the declaration of an official record was welcome news, after an eight-month wait as officials considered the submission.
“Officials reviewed video taken of the attempt and have determined that we now hold the new Guinness World Record,” he said.
The official time came in at 16 minutes, 30.83 seconds, taking out the former record of 18 minutes, 11.4 seconds, set in 1999.
Official timekeepers broadcaster Alan Jones, the Nationals Leader Warren Truss and Parkes Shire Council mayor Ken Keith played vital roles in the challenge of setting the new world record.
Mr Staer said he was thrilled to have been involved in the record.
So too the Manildra Group and MSM Milling, which both donated money to the attempt, which doubled as a fundraiser for Currajong Disability Services.
MSM Milling’s Bob MacSmith said he was thrilled to witness the record being set and honoured to support a community which is home to many farmers who grow wheat and canola for both the Manildra Flour Mill and MSM Milling.
“I take my hat off to Neil Unger for organising this event,” he said.
“Not only did he provide entertainment for the hundreds of visitors in town during January’s Elvis Festival, he raised vital funds for Currajong Disability Services.
“To top it off, he now holds a world record.”
The wheat variety used was Livingston, while Mr Staer used canola oil from MSM Milling to grease the baking trays.