2026 Zanda McDonald Award Winners announced

Two emerging leaders helping shape the future of agriculture have been named the 2026 winners of the prestigious Zanda McDonald Award.

Australian Bryce Neyland and New Zealander Karn Dhaliwal were announced as this year’s recipients at the Zanda McDonald Award Celebration Dinner in Christchurch on 10 March.

Neyland, 35, from Gol Gol in New South Wales, is a civil engineer for Select Harvests, leading projects across their almond orchards and processing facility. Combining a farming background with strong engineering and project management expertise, he manages large scale, transformative rural developments.

Dhaliwal, 32, from Te Hoe in Waikato, is the founder and owner of Ohinewai Harvest Ltd and Dhaliwal Ag Ltd. He has built a diverse horticultural and cropping business and is recognised for his entrepreneurial approach to growing, leadership within the vegetable industry and commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation in horticulture.

Zanda McDonald Award Chairman Shane McManaway said both winners demonstrated outstanding leadership and a strong vision for the future of the primary industries.

“Bryce and Karn represent the next generation of leaders who are helping drive innovation and opportunity across agriculture in Australia and New Zealand,” Mr McManaway said.

“Bryce’s work developing agricultural infrastructure alongside his technical excellence means he brings a unique systems perspective to farming, while Karn’s entrepreneurial approach to horticulture highlights the opportunities that exist for those willing to innovate and grow within the sector.”

Neyland and Dhaliwal were selected from a strong group of finalists:

• Caitlin Crowe: Head of Department – Agriculture, Technologies and Arts, St George State High School, Queensland

• Nicholas van den Berg, Livestock Agent, Platinum Livestock, South Australia

• Chloe Butcher-Herries, Farm Manager, Mathews Station, Central Hawke’s Bay, NZ

• Lana Marshall, Client Director at NZAB and 50:50 Sharemilker, Invercargill NZ

As part of the Award, both winners will receive a tailored professional development package including a mentoring trip across Australia and New Zealand, $10,000 towards further education or training, media coaching and ongoing networking opportunities.

Established in 2014 in memory of Australian cattle industry leader Zanda McDonald, the Award recognises young professionals aged 21–35 who are making a significant contribution to the primary industries across Australia and New Zealand.