Queensland’s 2025 Zanda McDonald female nominee Kate Power-Ravai believes she can still make an immense impact on the agricultural industry through hard work and dedication, despite being knocked out of the competition.
Each of the five nominated candidates were required to present themselves in an interview with four judges who critiqued them on how they would make a positive impact on the future of the industry.
After completing this process on Monday 2 December, Kate and another finalist Matt Kelly, Hunter Valley, were dismissed from the competition.
“I am disappointed with the end result, but I am thankful for the opportunity I was given to enter the process,” Kate said.
“When I was advised I had been shortlisted, I was initially shocked.
“That being said, that feeling then quickly gave way to the excitement and privilege that come with being associated with an award like the Zanda McDonald Award.
“I was up against four other incredible Australians who all want to do their own part for Aussie Ag.”
Following her recent marriage with Meli Ravai, Kate plans to begin implementing Australian agriculture in Fiji, to improve the livelihood of farmers in villages.
“Thanks to the spirit of agriculture and its people here in Australia and New Zealand I want to support others in the industry on a global aspect,” she said.
“Winning this award would have better enabled me to do this, but now I will endeavour to find another way.
“Further to this, to have support whilst navigating the possibilities of growing a family whilst continuing to push my career progression rounds out the key reasons as to why I nominated for the award.
“This is because I feel as though I’m entering a new stage of my life, both personally and professionally, and am looking for mentoring through this phase.”
Kate’s extensive background in agriculture stems from her experience at her now-sold family farm in Maryborough.
After graduating from high school in 2011, Kate delved into the industry, eagerly trying to learn more about rural life.
Throughout the years 2011 to 2017, Kate worked with numerous abattoirs, feedlots and rural businesses until 2018 when she began work with Kilcoy Global Foods, a paddock-to-plate company based in Australia, China and North America.
Now six years later, Kate is the Kilcoy Global Foods livestock operations and development manager.
Through her role with KGF, Kate expressed how she feels as though she has a unique role and connection to agriculture in not just her work life, but her personal one as well.
Kate has participated in various mentoring programs, one being when she decided to become a mentee for the 2021 Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program.
“I feel my career and role in KGF are continuing to evolve which I’m very grateful for,” she said.
“Knowing what you can achieve in these kinds of programs, I was ready to throw my hat in the right and put my focus onto my professional development after a couple of years of steadily working away.”
Despite being knocked out of the competition Kate believes it is still an incredible opportunity to have been recognised for a national award.
“Applying for the award might seem like a small step, but getting nominated meant wonders to me,” she said.
“It is an absolute door opener and I am thankful for my experience.”
