The leaders and innovators helping to shape and drive Australian agriculture will be front and centre of an exciting national awards program jointly launched by ACM Agri and The National Farmers’ Federation today.
With the support of platinum partners, Nutrien Ag Solutions and Westpac, the Australian Agriculture Awards will celebrate farmers, leaders and agribusiness professionals across six categories at a state level, and culminate in the naming of the Australian Agricultural Medalist at a national gala event in Canberra in November 2026.
ACM Agri is Australia’s largest agricultural media company with news brands and online marketplaces such as Queensland Country Life, The Land, Farm Weekly, Stock & Land, Stock Journal, the North Queensland Register, Farmonline, Farmbuy and AgTrader.
ACM Agri editorial director Penelope Arthur said the partnership between the NFF and the ACM Agri network elevated the Australian Agriculture Awards to create a truly national awards platform.
Ms Arthur said the awards were about far more than trophies and prize money.
“They are about creating momentum to truly inspire primary producers and industry leaders to drive agriculture forward,” she said.
“They celebrate those leading through change, embracing innovation, responding to shifting climates, markets and technologies and shaping a more resilient and productive future.”
ACM managing director Tony Kendal said ACM was extremely proud to launch the awards in partnership with the NFF, Nutrien Ag Solutions and Westpac.
“We believe it’s time to create a national stage to celebrate the very best and brightest in agriculture in our country,” he said.
The award categories are: Women in Agriculture, Nutrien NextGen Leader, Sustainability in Agriculture, Westpac Innovation in Agriculture and Wellbeing and Safety in Agriculture.
Finalists for each category will attend state awards where the state winners will be announced before moving on to the national awards.
NFF president Hamish McIntyre said partnering with ACM Agri on the awards presented an opportunity to showcase those at the cutting edge of farming.
“As Australia’s peak farm organisation, we’re surrounded by people who are smart, driven and always pushing boundaries,” Mr McIntyre said.
“These awards will not only give people the spotlight they deserve, they will also instil pride in the industry that every single Australian relies on every single day.”
Mr McIntyre said Australian farmers were global leaders in innovation, technology and sustainability.
“We’re also raising the bar on diversity, safety and wellbeing,” he said.
Nutrien Ag Solutions director, corporate affairs and marketing Carissa Buckland, said Nutrien staff had the privilege of working with farmers every single day.
“We get to see first-hand the grit, the innovation, the dedication, the care and the commitment that Australian farmers bring to the task of feeding and clothing the world,” Ms Buckland said.
“We are thrilled to help bring a spotlight and celebrate the hard work and success of our industry through our support of the Australian Agriculture Awards.
“We all want to tell the great story of agriculture to a bigger and more diverse audience, and these awards give us an opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate just how good Aussie farmers are – and to tell that story far and wide.”
Westpac managing director, regional commercial and agribusiness Peta Ward said the awards celebrate the people and communities who keep the nation thriving.
“Regional Australia plays a vital role in our economy, and it’s time that contribution is recognised,” Ms Ward said.
“By shining a light on these achievements, we’re backing the farmers, producers and innovators who drive Australia’s prosperity.
“This partnership is about honouring their success and making sure they have the support they need to keep growing our country.”
ACM Agri will leverage its suite of agricultural websites and rural papers, along with the wider ACM metropolitan and regional media network, to share the stories of the finalists and winners.
The nomination period opens today.
For more information or to nominate, please visit here.
Ashleigh Whittaker