Zanda McDonald Award shortlist unveiled

Ten young professionals from Australia and New Zealand have been shortlisted for the 2024 Zanda McDonald Award, in what is a strong showcase of up-and-coming agribusiness leaders. 

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.

Australian shortlist:

• Caitlin McConnel, 33 - agribusiness lawyer at Clayton Utz, chair of the Future Farmer Network and farmer based in South East Queensland
• Nick Dunsdon, 33 - manager of Coban Pastoral Co and Rural Property Agent at GDL based in Cunnamulla, south-west Queensland
• Sam Fryer, 33 - regional area manager for the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority and founder of “A Place To Call Home” podcast, a guide to agricultural land ownership
• Tessa Chartres, 32 - general manager of business development for Murray Irrigation Ltd and chair of the South West Music Regional Conservatorium, based in Deniliquin, New South Wales
• Xavier McCluskey, 29 - processing specialist for Greenstock, based in Tamworth, NSW

New Zealand shortlist: 

• Carla Muller, 31 - agricultural economist and principal consultant for Perrin Ag and former Director of NZIPIM, based in Whakatane
• Jordi Hoult, 29 - vet and senior advisor at the Ministry for Primary Industries, based in Manawatu
• Nancy Crawshaw, 27 - extension Officer for Angus Australia, based in Nuhaka Northern Hawkes Bay
• Richard Dawkins, 34 - sheep and beef farmer and vice president of Marlborough Federated Farmers, based in Blenheim
• Tim Dangen, 31 - beef farmer in Muriwai West Auckland, and 2022 recipient of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Award

Award chairman Shane McManaway said the judges were elated with the calibre of the latest crop of applicants, as they approach the award's 10-year anniversary.

“It’s wonderful that this award has been helping grow future leaders in agriculture for a decade now, providing unique opportunities to connect, collaborate and foster learnings from industry mentors who have walked the path," Mr McManaway said.

"Yet again, we’ve been blown away by the people who have applied, and it’s encouraging to see the immense talent coming through from the next generation.

"We’re thrilled with our shortlist, and looking forward to meeting everyone in person for interviews next month, to get to know them better.”

The 10 shortlisted applicants will be interviewed next month, with three finalists selected from each country.

They will head to Queenstown in March 2024 for the Zanda McDonald Award Impact Summit, where an Australian and a New Zealand winner will be crowned at a celebratory evening with industry leaders and award partners.

The winners will each pick up an impressive personal development package, including a fully personalised mentoring trip in both countries by private jet, $10,000 worth of tailored education or further training, media coaching and ongoing networking opportunities.