Applications open for 2027 Zanda McDonald Award
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The industry will celebrate its best and brightest at Beef +Lamb NZ's fifth annual awards in the Wairarapa in July.
The awards recognise this country's top sheep farmers, breeders, scientists and industry innovators.
People can put their name forward, or be nominated for the award categories; Science Trainer of the Year, Innovation, Significant Contribution to the New Zealand Sheep Industry and the Emerging Talent Award.
South Otago farmer Hamish Bielski won the inaugural Ballance Agri-Nutrients Emerging Talent Award last year. He hoped in receiving the award, he highlighted to other aspiring young farmers there is a pathway to farm ownership in the sheep sector.
Hamish and his wife Amy are now equity partners in a 300ha sheep, beef and cropping business, having worked their way through various shepherd and management roles on sheep and beef farms. Financially disciplined, the couple saved more than they spent and took investment opportunities whenever they arose.
Hamish also found time for industry involvement and is chair of B+LNZ's Southern South Island Farmer Council.
A great advocate for the sheep industry, Hamish says the Sheep Industry Awards play a crucial role in recognising good people and celebrating success.
He acknowledges that, like many industries, it is easy to focus on negative issues for which there are no easy solutions.
"The awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the significant milestones we, as an industry, have achieved.
Entries for the Sheep Industry Awards close on Friday, April 22, 2016.
Contact Lydia Baty 027 397 9615
