If you’re passionate about agriculture and keen to leave your mark on the sector, then the Zanda McDonald Award could just be what you need to kick-start your journey.
The award programme has been around since 2014 and offers many opportunities, which include:
Following in the footsteps of industry stalwarts
The award was introduced following the tragic death of well-known Australian beef and livestock farmer Zanda McDonald in 2013, aged 41.
Zanda was also a founding member of a trans-Tasman agricultural networking group and as part of his role in the group, he led a number of initiatives to promote his industry to the next generation. In 2014, in honour of Zanda, the networking group launched The Zanda McDonald Award, to commemorate his work and love for the industry.
Recognising your contributions to the industry and paving your own path
The award recognises young people working in the primary industry sectors in New Zealand and Australia, and supports their future career development. As part of the prize, the winner receives a fully personalised mentoring trip across both Australia and NZ providing them with access to a network of industry mentors in support of their future development and personal growth.
The prize
The prize is an impressive personal development package and provides the winner with numerous opportunities to help expand their horizons. The winner will receive: the Zanda McDonald Award trophy; a fully personalised all expenses paid mentoring trip with some flights on a private jet, ensuring access to remote and varied locations; a personalised education or training package up to the value of $10,000; a tailored media training session; and a one-year position as a judge of the following year’s award.
“It’s such a privilege, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” 2022 recipient of the Zanda McDonald NZ Award Rhys Roberts said.
“A definite highlight for me will be the trans-Tasman mentoring trip, where I’ll get to spend time with top ag leaders in New Zealand and Australia, as well as previous award winners and finalists. The learnings I’ll get from that experience will be absolutely life-changing.”
So, if you’re aged 21-35 and are working in agribusiness and live in Australia or NZ, then throw your hat in the ring for a shot at winning the Zanda McDonald Award. Entries are open from August 1-31 for the 2023 award. If you are interested in applying, you’ll find all the information here.
While you’re here, why not watch 2022 Zanda McDonald Award finalist Oliver Weatherburn’s On Farm Story below?
