27 August 2024. Clare Nugent, Young Producers Councillor
In this most challenging of years, it's fitting that we recognise in an ongoing way the lifeblood of AgForce - our members who have shown outstanding support for our industry.
After the success of last year's awards, the Young Producers Council has officially thrown its support behind making this important acknowledgement - Producer of the Year - an annual event.
That first awards year in Longreach in 2023, AgForce recognised Michael Pratt as its inaugural Producer of the Year, paying tribute to his significant contribution to our industry over many years, enabled by the support of his wife Sue and family.
This week we launch our 2024 nomination process, so the Young Producers Council can announce the 2024 Producer of the year at AgForce's AGM in Goondiwindi on November 12 2024.
We see this event as crucial to recognising the key contributors to our rural success.
Having the ongoing support of AgForce members means a lot to us. That's why we feel it is important to acknowledge your efforts in this way.
As with any new process, we recognise there is always room for improvement and apologise that finalists were not advised prior to the final announcement at last year's AGM.
This year, we will invite members to vote for finalists once nominations close. Those finalists will be announced prior to the AGM, with sufficient notice to hopefully be able to join us in person for the final award announcement.
The nomination forms are available through this link, as are the details of when they need to be submitted by and the process from here. Please note that nominations open 27 August and close 15 October 2024.
We would encourage you all to take a moment to think of anyone who you feel is worthy of nominating - and to take the time to make that nomination.
Too often we miss a chance to acknowledge the contribution of those around us - this provides an opportunity to remedy that.
Our industry - more than ever given the opportunities and challenges we have in front of us - needs to strengthen its investment in leadership.
There is no question that agriculture contributes significantly to Australia economically, socially and environmentally.
The foundations for that are the leaders who drive that and inspire others to follow every day.
Let's take the chance to pause, think of someone worthy of consideration and put in a nomination.
It's a worthy commitment of a few minutes of your time in our view.
