Nominations for the annual awards, which are in their eighth year, closed on June 17. The joint award hosts congratulate all who got involved this year.

Judges are now hard-at-work reviewing the nominees for each category, with the winner’s being announced at an exclusive Awards Announcement Event at Parliament House on August 16. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, The Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP, will be there to officially open the event and ABC Rural will conduct a live, outside broadcast of their national Country Hour radio program to publicly announce the 2017 winners.

The 2017 Awards have been supported by some of our industry’s leading agricultural organisations. We pay tribute to them here, as they have each played a significant role in the annual awards event.

WFI

WFI are long-time supporters of the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards. WFI have been insuring Australian farmers since 1919. Over this time, they have been there for their clients, providing support and assistance when they’ve needed it the most. As one of Australia’s leading farm insurers, WFI hold high their belief in friendly, personal service, offering a range of innovative insurance products across Australia.

Being part of the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards is significant to WFI. Supporting an initiative that applauds the achievements of farmers, their families and their communities aligns with WFI’s commitment to having a team who takes the time to listen and understand what’s important to those living throughout rural Australia. 

CASE IH

Case IH is a global leader in agricultural equipment who, during 2017, celebrates 175 years at the cutting edge of production. Since the beginning, the company’s innovative approach has been to provide customers with ever-improving technologies that enable them to farm more efficiently and profitably. Case IH understand the future of the industry lies with the next generation of farm leaders. Staying ahead with innovative design and quality products is critical, as well as supporting initiatives like the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards which encourage recognition for the achievements of young farmers.

MARKET CHECK

Recognising the importance of leadership in rural Australia is highly valued by Market Check, sponsors of the Rural Community Leader of the Year Award. Market Check is an independent, Australian owned business offering year-round grain marketing support to progressive Australian farmers. For more than 20 years, Market Check’s grower allied position and wealth of experience has ensured unwavering commitment to empowering families and corporate grain producer clients.

BASF

With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. BASF is the proud sponsor of the 2017 Rural Consultant of the Year Award. BASF’s Crop Protection division works with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others to help make this possible. With their cooperation, BASF is able to sustain an active R&D pipeline, an innovative portfolio of products and services, and teams of experts in the lab and in the field to support customers in making their businesses succeed.

HARVEST TYRES

Harvest Tyres is committed to innovation and look forward to awarding a deserving Australian farmer with the Award for Excellence in Innovation at this year's Winners' Announcement Event on August 16. The Harvest Agricultural Tyre range was created to provide a solution to the growing demand from rural Australia for a tyre that can provide improved handling with increased stability, higher load carrying capacities and reduced pressure leaks. Harvest Tyres are designed and engineered by Australians for Australian farmers. They are committed to working with farmers to provide an extensive range of products that deliver performance across a range of applications and soil types.

Kondinin Group also appreciates the involvement of Industry Supporter National Farmers’ Federation and Media Partner OUTback Magazine; two highly-regarded leaders in Australian agriculture.

Click HERE to purchase tickets to the event.