The Kondinin Group event is held in partnership with ABC Rural, who since the awards inception, have lent their support as the voice of rural Australia and been integral to the success of this important initiative.

ABC Rural will be broadcasting live from Parliament House as well as co-hosting the event.

This year the awards will recognise farmers in three new categories including Rural Consultant of the Year, which will celebrate one special business professional who consistently exceeds the needs of their farming communities to ensure the overall success of the industry.

The Farming Legend of the Year will honour a rural icon that has made life-long contributions to agriculture. The Rural Community Leader of the Year will acknowledge a person who goes over and above in their commitment to community based events or on-going efforts to improve the lives of those in their region.

For the past 61 years the Kondinin Group has provided farmers with education, knowledge and support. Farming Ahead editor Ben White said it was this ethos of the group that has served the members well with these awards.

"The awards forms part of the evolution of our industry engagement and another opportunity for us to turn the national spotlight onto our farming communities," White said.

After a record number of nominations for each category the finalists were chosen by a panel of judges from the industry. Winners will be announced in the November issue of Farming Ahead magazine.

The Kondinin Group is one of the country's largest independent farm improvement groups with over 8,000 members. The organisation hosts the annual National Agricultural Survey and provides both participation in and useful information from the survey for farmers.