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.
The Ian Burnett Young Producer of the Year, named in honour of longtime AgForce and industry contributor Ian Burnett, will recognise 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.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, AgForce CEO Niki Ford said the Ian Burnett Young Producer of the Year award is new this year and is an exciting addition.
“The award is named in recognition of Ian Burnett, a former AgForce General President whose dedication to Queensland agriculture was unmatched,” Ms. Ford said.
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 worth $500.
Nominations are open to AgForce financial members and YPC members, with applicants asked to answer five questions along with their submission before October 31.
