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.
For Tararua District dairy farmer Lisa Lyons, ongoing professional development has always gone hand-in-hand with life on the farm, but a major health challenge prompted her to take her study journey even further.
New import standards could put New Zealand’s blueberry industry and the wider horticulture industry at risk.
The Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) Project has been named a finalist in the Technology & Innovation Project Award at the Primary Industries New Zealand (PINZ) Awards.
Amber Davy has won the 2026 Canterbury Young Grower regional title.
Carey Pawson-Edwards, a South Canterbury stock manager, has been named the winner of the 2026 Rabobank Management Project Award.
Nominations are now open for two directorships on the Ravensdown Board and will close at 5pm, Friday 24 July 2026.

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