Andrew Martin of Dulla Dulla Pastoral Company took out an excellence in diversification award at the 2019 ABC Rural Farmer of the Year Awards in Parliament House, Canberra.

Mr Martin said getting the diversification balance right was sometimes a challenge.

"What you can and can't do is largely driven by the seasons," he said.

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"Over time we've realised we've had to take on other things to survive, so we now grow chickpeas, fava beans, canola and wheat, and we run beef cattle, as well as cotton in summer.

Farming is changing now and we're going towards using centre pivots to save water."

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was on hand to congratulate Mr Martin and his wife Kerrie.

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"Andrew, Kerrie and their family are hardworking people and this award is a tribute to their initiative and foresight," he said.

"Their farm, Dulla Dulla, is located halfway between Dubbo and Narromine on the Macquarie River, and has been in the family since 1885.

"Innovation and diversification are both key to the farm's success and I commend the family on their endeavours, particularly at a time when the longstanding drought continues to bite across my electorate."

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The Australian Farmer of the Year Awards celebrate and applaud the outstanding achievements of the individuals and families making significant contributions to Australian agriculture.