Zanda McDonald finalists announced

Now in its ninth year, the award recognises future leaders working in agriculture, and provides a prize package centred around tailored mentoring and education.

Six finalists have been selected, with three from Australia and three from New Zealand. One winner will be selected from each country.

Harriet Bremner, 33, has been named as a New Zealand finalist. She is an author and health, safety and wellbeing advocate for Rural New Zealand, and farmer at Jericho Station, Southland.

Also listed as a finalist is Jacques Reinhardt, 34. He is station manager at Castlepoint Station, Wairarapa.

The final New Zealand finalist is Monica Schwass, 31, future farming manager at The NZ Merino Company, based in Christchurch.

The Australian finalists are Charles Vaughan, 29, Queensland Operations Coordinator/Group Veterinarian for Australian Cattle Enterprises and Director of Charles Vaughan Veterinary Services Pty Ltd; Mitch Highett, 33, Founder and Managing Director of farm management company Bullseye Agriculture, from Orange NSW; and Sarah Groat, 34, Development Officer for government Agtech programme “Farms of the Future”, for the Department of Primary Industries, who lives on the family farm near Rankin’s Springs NSW.

Jacques Reinholdt

Richard Rains, award chairman, says the judges were thrilled with the variety and calibre of applicants for this year’s award, from across the broader agricultural spectrum.

“Going through the applications is always such an exciting process for us, as we get to see the level of passion and talent that lies within our next generation of ag leaders,” he says.

“It’s been a tough job narrowing this year’s applicants down to just six individuals, but we’re delighted with the capabilities of those we’ve selected. They’re dynamic, and full of drive and ambition.

“We’re looking forward to meeting the finalists face-to-face for interviews, and to get to know them a bit better.”

Rains says it’s a highlight to provide the finalists with opportunities to learn, network, experience and grow.

Monica Schwass

The Australian and the New Zealand winner will each receive a prize package which includes a personalised mentoring trip, $10,000 of tailored education or training, media coaching, and other mentoring and industry opportunities.

Face-to-face interviews will take place towards the end of the year, and the winners will be announced at the Zanda McDonald Award Impact Summit, alongside industry leaders and award partners, in Brisbane in March 2023.