April 5, 2017
Nominations have opened open for the 2017 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards.
The 8th annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements by both individuals and families in Australian agriculture.
Nominations hit record levels in 2016.
Farmers can nominate themselves – or someone they know – in five main categories:
- Australian Farmer of the Year
- Case IH Young Farmer of the Year (under 35)
- Farming Legend of the Year
- Rural Community Leader of the Year
- Rural Consultant of the Year
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on August 16.
The awards are sponsored by ABC Rural and the Kondinin Group.
Kondinin general manager (research) Ben White said awards made a significant contribution to the fabric of rural Australia.
“The awards uncover incredible work being done throughout rural and regional Australia which is often unknown by our city counterparts,” Mr White said.
“Our aim is to shine a light on those who are working tirelessly to achieve results which are keeping our industry alive. They are inspiring examples of how our industry will remain sustainable and progressive in the future.”
2016 Australian Farmer of the Year Matthew Keith said receiving the award was recognition for many years of hard work by himself and his family.
“Winning provided encouragement to continue looking for new ways to diversify and to invent that new, original idea which would set us apart from the others,” Mr Keith said.
2016 Case IH Young Farmer of the Year Troy Blackman said it had also led to new opportunities.
“Winning the Case IH Young Farmer of the Year award has connected me with a whole new bunch of like-minded farmers and new customers which has helped my business and personal growth immensely,” Mr Blackman said.
Nominations for the 2017 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards opened on Monday (April 3).
Nominations can be completed online
