Agribusiness leader wins prize

Waikato agribusiness leader Thomas Macdonald has won one of Australasia’s top agribusiness awards.

The 24-year-old Spring Sheep Milk Company business manager said he was humbled to win the 2018 Zanda McDonald Award, which recognised agriculture’s most innovative young professionals from Australia and New Zealand.

It was launched in 2014 in memory of Australian beef industry leader Zanda McDonald, who died after an accident at his Queensland property in 2013. The award is run by the Platinum Primary Producers (PPP) Group a network of over 150 of Australasia’s influential agribusiness men and women, of which Zanda McDonald was a foundation member.

Macdonald said he was thrilled to have been chosen, and was particularly excited about the opportunity to get direct access to the wealth of knowledge that exists within the PPP group’s membership. ‘‘It’s a real privilege to win the 2018 award, and I’m humbled to be associated with Zanda’s name. I’m looking forward to spending time with some of agriculture’s top business professionals, and expanding my horizons and networks.’’

The award was presented on March 20 at the annual PPP Conference in Taupo. Macdonald won a $50,000 prize package, which included a trans-Tasman mentoring trip to farming operations and businesses, a place on one of Rabobank’s business management programs and a $1000 cash prize.

PPP Group chairman Shane McManaway described Macdonald as a remarkable young man. ‘‘To have achieved as much as he has in 24 years is quite something, and a great credit to him.

‘‘His intelligence, understanding of agriculture and big-picture thinking make him well placed as a future leader in our industry.

‘‘I feel confident that Thomas will embrace the mentoring opportunities provided by winning the Zanda McDonald Award, and look forward to seeing his career progress’’.