Zanda McDonald Award: Six young agriculture leaders named 2026 finalists

The New Zealand finalists for the 2026 Zanda McDonald Award are Chloe Butcher-Herries (left), Karn Dhaliwal and Lana Marshall.

The Zanda McDonald Award has announced its six finalists for 2026.

Following interviews in Greytown and Brisbane on Monday, three standout young Australians and three New Zealanders were selected.

The award is renowned for propelling careers and connecting emerging leaders with some of the sector’s most influential figures.

Named after Zanda McDonald, a prominent Australian beef and livestock leader who died in 2013, it recognises young people aged 21–35 working in primary industries across New Zealand and Australia, and supports their future career development.

Award chairman and lead judge Shane McManaway said this year’s applicants were of an incredibly high calibre.

“It’s a real highlight for us to spend time with the candidates, and narrowing it down has been tough.

“Our finalists demonstrate exceptional drive, leadership, and potential, and we’re excited to see where their careers go from here.

“We can’t wait to announce the winners in March.”

The three New Zealand finalists for 2026 are:

• Chloe Butcher-Herries, 32, farm manager, Mathews Station sheep and beef farm, Central Hawke’s Bay.
• Karn Dhaliwal (32), founder/owner of greenfield development cropping business, Ohinewai Harvest Ltd & Dhaliwal Ag Ltd, Te Hoe, Waikato.
• Lana Marshall (31), client director at NZAB, financial guidance and strategic planning for farmers, and 50:50 sharemilker, Invercargill.

The Australian finalists for the 2026 Zanda McDonald Award are Bryce Neyland (left), Caitlin Crowe and Nicholas van den Berg.

The three Australian finalists for 2026 are:

• Bryce Neyland, 35, engineering and development manager, Rural Funds Management, Gol Gol, New South Wales.
• Caitlin Crowe, 27, head of department, agriculture, technologies and arts, St George State High School, St George, Queensland.
• Nicholas van den Berg, 34, livestock agent, Platinum Livestock, Keith, South East South Australia.

All finalists will attend the award’s annual Impact Summit in Christchurch in March 2026.

During the summit, one Australian and one New Zealand winner will be announced at a celebration attended by industry leaders and award partners.

The winners will receive a personal development package, including a tailored mentoring trip across both Australia and New Zealand, $10,000 towards further education or training, media coaching, and ongoing networking opportunities.