JUST under a week remains to nominate a worthy recipient for the Kondinin Group and ABC Rural 2023 Farmer of the Year Awards.

The awards recognise excellence in rural and regional Australia, and offer an opportunity to celebrate individuals and families involved in Australian agriculture, encompassing a diverse range of sectors and service provisions.

South Australians have taken out multiple awards in recent years, including:
- 2022 Agricultural Student of the Year went to James Easter, Adelaide
- 2022 Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research went to Dr Kate Gunn, Adelaide
- 2022 Award for Excellence in Technology went to James Venning, Bute 
- 2020-21 Award for Excellence in Technology went to Matthew Davey, Clinton Centre

Kondinin Group general manager of research, Ben White, is anticipating another outstanding crop of winners in 2023.

“Over the course of the awards, we have received around 1000 nominations,” he said.

“It has been great to see nominations change over that time, and reflect the shifting landscape of Australian agriculture. This year we have modified an existing award to support this.

“The Award for Excellence in Diversification will now be known as the Award for Excellence in Diversification and Sustainability, identifying the growing appreciation of our role in the sustainability of our land, our farming enterprises, our industry and our communities.”

Potential winners of this award will be drawn from finalists in the Australian Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year categories, as well as nominees selected by senior judges as standouts in this field.

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

• Australian Farmer of the Year 
• Rural Community Leader of the Year
• Agricultural Student of the Year
• Young Farmer of the Year
• Rural Consultant of the Year Award
• Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research

Visit the website to nominate by Tuesday, February 28 at 11.59pm.