AgForce is calling on members to nominate two outstanding Queensland producers for its 2026 Producer of the Year Awards, recognising both a long-standing backbone of the sector and a trailblazing young producer helping shape the industry’s future.
The two awards will be presented at AgForce’s AGM on November 19 with Producer of the Year targeting an established producer who has made an enduring contribution to AgForce, agriculture and their community and the Ian Burnett Young Producer of the Year, named in honour of longtime AgForce and industry contributor Ian Burnett, recognising an emerging industry leader who demonstrates leadership and innovation.
“We want to pay tribute to a producer who’s made a profound impact on their community, consistently contributing to AgForce and to the broader agricultural sector over many years,” AgForce General President Shane McCarthy said.
“There are many on the land with a proven track record of fighting for the interests of rural communities.
“We all know someone – the person who will drop everything to support fellow producers, someone you’d describe as a backbone of the community, someone who mentors others in the industry to lift them up.
“Someone with a long-term commitment to the sustainability and growth of our beef, grain, cane or sheep industries.”
“It’s incredibly exciting to add a new award this year for the Ian Burnett Young Producer of the Year,” AgForce CEO Niki Ford said.
“The award is named in recognition of Ian Burnett, a former AgForce General President whose dedication to Queensland agriculture was unmatched.
“Ian was a lifelong champion for producers, known for his tireless advocacy and this award ensures his legacy of putting the industry front and centre continues to inspire generations to come.
“We want to reward and encourage our younger producers, those who are blazing a trail for the future of agriculture.
“We’re looking for someone with fresh ideas, perhaps trialing new technology or leading their local AgForce branch with an eye to the future.
“An emerging leader engaged with their local community and with a strong voice and someone who can make a contribution like that of Ian Burnett.
“Both awards will reward someone with a clear commitment to a career on the land and a desire to see our industry thrive for generations to come.”
The Producer of the Year will receive a Foundation of Directorship Course valued at $3,750, courtesy of major sponsor, the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), as well as a Green Hip Clothing voucher valued at $850.
The Ian Burnett Young Producer of the Year will receive a Governance Essentials: Your First Step to the Boardroom Course valued at $900, again courtesy of AICD, a 12-month annual subscription to AgriWebb, valued at $2,000 and a Green Hip Clothing voucher valued at $500.
Prize packages are made possible through the generous support of AgForce partners and sponsors.
Nominations are open to AgForce financial members and YPC members and close on October 31.
Join AgForce now for your chance to participate in these awards.
There are five questions to answer on the nomination form, which you can find here.
Winners will be celebrated at AgForce’s AGM on November 19.
