Top agribusiness talents shine

The Zanda McDonald Award, Australasia’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.

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.

New Zealanders who made the cut this year are:

• Hamish Best (34), a 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 general manager of Landify, South Canterbury;

• Ben Purua (30), farm manager at Waimakariri Lands and winner of the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award;

• Claire Williamson (34), founder of sustainable wool fashion brand Velma and Beverly and managing director of My Mortgage, Waikato.

Award chairman Shane McManaway is 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 ten will undergo interviews next month, with three finalists from each country chosen to attend the Zanda McDonald Award Impact Summit in Australia in March.

Here, one Australian and one New Zealand winner will be announced.

Each will receive a personalised professional development package, including a mentoring trip across both Australia and NZ via private jet.