The Zanda McDonald Award, Australia’s premier accolade for emerging agricultural leaders, has revealed its highly anticipated 2025 shortlist.
Ten outstanding young professionals from across Australia and New Zealand have been selected for this prestigious recognition, now in its 10th year.
The coveted award recognises future leaders working in agriculture and provides an impressive prize package centred around tailored mentoring and education.
This year marks the awards’ 10th anniversary of inspiring and nurturing agricultural leadership.
The shortlist of ten – five from Australia and five from New Zealand – have been selected for their leadership skills, passion, and the contribution they’re making within the primary sector.
The Australian Shortlist:
Will Creek (35), general manager – properties livestock for vertically integrated beef and cattle company Stanbroke, Queensland
Matt Kelly (33), farm manager at thoroughbred breeding and cattle breeding and finishing business Coolmore Australia, Hunter Valley
Jack O’Connor (32), manager of Oxton Park (family cropping, wool and prime lamb farm), based in Harden, Southern NSW
Kate Power (30), livestock operations and development manager at Kilcoy Global Foods, Queensland
Felicity Taylor (29), area manager at Rabobank, Moree, Country NSW
The New Zealand Shortlist:
Hamish Best (34), sheep and beef farmer and founder of red meat brand Conscious Valley, Wellington
Maegen Blom (24), operations manager of family business Mills Bay Mussels, Marlborough
Sarah How (33), co-founder and GM of Landify Ltd, South Canterbury
Ben Purua (30), farm manager at Waimakariri Lands Limited and winner of the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award
Claire Williamson (34), founder of sustainable wool fashion brand Velma and Beverly and managing director of My Mortgage, Waikato
Shane McManaway, chairman of the award, shared his excitement 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,” he said.
“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 ten 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 both Australia and New Zealand via private jet, $10,000 in tailored education or training, media coaching, and ongoing networking opportunities to help further their leadership journeys.
