Now in their eighth year, the awards celebrate outstanding achievements of both individuals and families in Australian agriculture, with nominations hitting record levels in 2016.

You can nominate yourself – or someone you know – in five main categories:

• Australian Farmer of the Year
• 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 in a special awards ceremony at Parliament House Canberra on August 16. The awards are led by two of Australia’s leading agricultural media organisations, the Kondinin Group, and ABC Rural.

Ben White, Kondinin Group’s General Manager of Research, says the 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.”

Matthew Keith – 2016 Australian Farmer of the Year – says 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.

Troy Blackman – 2016 Case IH Young Farmer of the Year – says it has 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.

Leigh Radford, Head Rural and National Programs, ABC Regional, says the awards recognise the quiet achievers of 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. For more information, contact Kondinin Group on 1800 677 761.