Now in its eighth year, the awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those individuals and families’ making a significant contribution to Australian agriculture, led by two of Australia’s leading independent agricultural organisations.

Last year’s revamped format was a resounding success, with nominations hitting record-breaking levels.

Ben White, Kondinin Group’s General Manager of Research said the Kondinin Group and ABC Rural Australian Farmer of the Year Awards make 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 shining examples of how our industry will remain sustainable and progressive in the future,” he said.

Matthew Keith, winner of the 2016 Australian Farmer of the Year Award, said receiving the accolade was recognition for many years of hard work by himself and his family.

“The award has been great exposure for our company and has opened up many new opportunities,” Mr Keith said.

“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,” he said.

Troy Blackman, winner of the 2016 CaseIH Young Farmer of the Year award said that winning the award last year had allowed him to expand his knowledge and contact base.

“Winning the CaseIH 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.

Leigh Radford, Head of Rural and National Programs at ABC Rural, also commended the awards for their promotion of the quiet achievers in rural Australia.

“There is a wealth of stories to be uncovered throughout rural Australia,” Mr Radford said. 

“The awards are an invaluable mechanism for not only applauding the extraordinary work being done, but encouraging winners and nominees to continue on their innovative paths and broadening their current networks.”

Nominations for the 2017 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards open on 3 April. Nominations can be completed online.

For more information, contact Kondinin Group on 1800 677 761.