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.
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.
Operating with a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.
Reports of severe weather forecast to move over the vast majority of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards this weekend will be very concerning for a significant number of growers.

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