Zanda McDonald Award finalists unveiled
The Zanda McDonald Award has announced its six finalists for the 2024 accolade.
The Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) have signed on to partner with the prestigious Zanda McDonald Award.
AACo owns and operates stations, feedlots and farms comprising around 6.4 million hectares of land in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Managing director and chief executive Hugh Killen says the company can play a role in helping develop the next generation of industry leaders.
“AACo has been helping grow agriculture in Australia for almost 200 years and our association with the Zanda McDonald Award continues this legacy,” says Killen.
“The Zanda McDonald Award is all about making a difference in agriculture. It recognises determination and passion, giving the winner an opportunity to develop their skills and make a lasting difference.
“These are values and attributes that align well with our commitment to drive positive change, and with our purpose: evolving together to benefit future generations. Our focus on sustainability, including an emphasis on shaping agriculture to meet the needs of a changing world, makes this partnership a natural fit.
“We’re thrilled to be associated with the award and help to mentor future industry leaders.”
Richard Rains, chairman of the Zanda McDonald Award adds that he is thrilled to have AACo join the awards.
“Their commitment really strengthens our ability to help take future leaders’ careers to the next level, providing a positive impact on the broader industry.”
The Zanda McDonald Award celebrates young people in the agriculture industry across Australia and New Zealand.
The 2022 winners will be announced in February (3 February for New Zealand winners and 10 February for Australian winners).
Entries for the 2023 round of awards will be open from 1 – 31 August 2022.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of its annual Good Deeds competition, Rabobank will give away $100,000 to improve rural community hubs, schools, clubrooms, and marae across New Zealand.
Agricultural and veterinary product supplier Shoof International has appointed Michaela Dumper as its new chief executive.
Federated Farmers is celebrating following the Government's announcement that young farmers will be able to use their KiwiSaver funds to buy their first home or farm.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Sirma Karapeeva has resigned from the role.
The winners of the 2026 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards were announced at the annual awards dinner held at Copthorne Solway Park in Masterton on Thursday evening.
Environment Southland is welcoming this week’s decision by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to approve the release of Blaptea elguetai, a leaf‑feeding beetle that will help control the highly invasive Chilean flame creeper.

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