Zanda McDonald was a prominent identity in the Australian beef and livestock industry.
Zanda McDonald was a prominent identity in the Australian beef and livestock industry.
Ten young rural professionals — five from Australia, five from New Zealand — have been selected on the shortlist for the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award.
The award, in its 10th year, recognises future leaders working in agriculture.
It also provides a prize package centred around tailored mentoring and education.
The awards are named after Zanda McDonald, who was prominent in Australian beef and livestock and worked tirelessly to encourage young people to join the industry.
Organisers said the 10 were selected for their leadership skills, passion, and the contributions within the primary sector.
Award chairman Shane McManaway was excited about the calibre and diversity of this year’s applicants.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the talent emerging from the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“This award has been instrumental in fostering growth and development in the industry for the past decade, and we continue to be inspired by the individuals coming forward.
“We look forward to meeting this year’s shortlist and learning more about their vision for the future of agriculture.”
The 10 will undergo interviews next month, with three finalists from each country chosen to attend the Zanda McDonald Award Impact Summit on the Gold Coast in March 2025.
At this event, one Australian and one New Zealand winner will be announced at a special celebration evening attended by industry leaders and award partners.
The winners will each receive a personalised professional development package, including a mentoring trip across Australia and New Zealand by private jet, $10,000 in tailored education or training, media coaching, and ongoing networking opportunities.
The New Zealand shortlist
The New Zealanders are:
Hamish Best
2025 Zanda McDonald Award NZ finalist, Hamish Best.
This 34-year-old sheep and beef farmer is the founder of the red meat brand Conscious Valley, Wellington.
Maegen Blom
2025 Zanda McDonald Award NZ finalist. Maegan Blom. Photo / K. Ingram
Operations manager of family business Mills Bay Mussels, Marlborough, (24).
