A heartwarming image of a kelpie sleeping on freshly shorn wool has won the 2025 National Agriculture Day photography and video competition, in a record year for entries.
The serene photo depicts red kelpie “Hazel” taking a break from yarding sheep with a kip on a pile of fresh wool.
Photographer Kiana Waters captured the moment in a bustling South Australian shearing shed in Victor Harbor where she was working with her partner while they travelled around Australia.
“I decided to take my camera with me to capture some images as this is something I’ve never experienced before,” Kiana said.
“After watching Hazel move the lambs with her owner into the next pens ready for the shearers, I noticed she would make herself cosy on the wool until she was needed again. This was a moment that needed to be captured.”
The annual competition is run by the National Farmers’ Federation and sponsored by Syngenta as part of National Agriculture Day celebrations.
Six winning entries will now share in $5000 worth of prizes, thanks to Syngenta.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre congratulated the winners and entrants.
“We had more than 630 entries in this year’s competition, making it the biggest year since we started the comp in 2021,” Mr McIntyre said.
“It was hard to pick a winner, but I think the winning image speaks for itself.”
“A huge thank you to everyone who supported this competition and National Agriculture Day.
“It was fantastic to see so many people Stand with the Land on Ag Day this year.
“We’re looking forward to an even bigger and better day next year.”
National Agriculture Day is held on the third Friday of November each year.
“This competition is such a fantastic way to celebrate Ag Day, and it has been great to be involved for yet another year,” said David Van Ryswyk, Managing Director, Syngenta ANZ.
The winning entries can be found here.
First place
Kiana Waters “Sleeping on Cloud 9” photo taken near Victor Harbor, SA.
Second place
Connor Smith “First Load at First Light” photo taken at Winton, QLD.
“The first truck in the lineup was a truck I sold to a mate who asked me to come up and take some photos. It was just on dawn and I got this shot of the trucks lining up for loading.”
Runners-up (no particular order)
Kellie Craft “Threads of Gold” photo taken at Pittsworth, QLD.
“Where the land teaches its lessons, the next generation grows, learning the value of hard work, quiet moments, and wide-open spaces. How blessed are we to have this as our sunset view.”
Jack Mckibbin “Harvest 25” photo taken at Gilgandra, NSW.
“I took this photo with the drone during harvest ’25 on one of the more open paddocks. I figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a bird’s-eye look at the header chipping away at the crop — a view you don’t usually get to see.”
Arlie Becker “We Grow Together” photo taken at Dulacca, QLD.
“We have a Brahman stud and this is a young bull Crown JA Texaco that we bred and later sold. He and our 2-year-old daughter had a very special bond. Whenever we would go up the paddock he would come looking for her for a pat and cuddle. We love our Brahmans for their beautiful nature.”
Nicole Chiesa “Life is Sweet” video taken at Ingham, QLD.
“The footage mostly showing our own farm and harvesting contract, with a bit of our neighbour’s farm burning cane trash. Just the seasonal operations that happen here every year. And the cheeky little girl at the end is Georgie, one of my daughters – and yes, she’s every bit as cheeky as she looks in that picture.”
Ashleigh Whittaker
Stacey Davidson