Australia's most progressive sheep producers will vie for three prestigious awards, which will still run despite the cancellation of next month's Australian Sheep & Wool Show.
Hosted by Australian Community Media, publisher of The Land, the awards will honour the Meat & Livestock Australia Sustainable Producer of the Year, the Marcus Oldham Flock Leader and the Farmgate Auctions Industry Innovator.
ACM agricultural news editor Penelope Arthur said the online award application process was very easy to follow and could yield some big opportunities.
"Three finalists from each category will be featured in our 120-page special liftout, the Australian Sheep Breeders' Compendium, on June 25 making this a fantastic opportunity to put your business, your ideas, your skills in front of thousands of readers," Ms Arthur said.
"In a year when we have limited opportunities to physically get in touch with clients, fellow producers and colleagues, it's more important than ever that we share and celebrate the stories of success across the sheep and wool supply chains."
In a year when we have limited opportunities to physically get in touch with clients, fellow producers and colleagues, it's more important than ever that we share and celebrate the stories of success across the sheep and wool supply chains.
- ACM Agricultural News Editor Penelope Arthur
Sustainable Producer of the Year
The MLA Sustainable Producer of the Year will award a sheep producer using industry best practices to meet growing consumer demands for sustainably produced wool or meat with a cash prize of $1000.
MLA managing director, Jason Strong said the awards were an opportunity to acknowledge the strong and innovative work of the world-leading Australian sheep producers.
"As we continue to see an increased interest from consumers and the community in where their food is from and how it is produced, it is vital as an industry we strive to continue to be more productive and sustainable in our practices," Mr Strong said.
Flock Leader
The Marcus Oldham Flock Leader award will recognise industry contributions from a professional in a position or field related to sheep production with the winner to receive entry to the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program in 2021, valued at $3300
Industry Innovation
Innovators from all parts of the sheep supply chain are encouraged to apply for the FarmGate Auctions Industry Innovation award with the winner to receive a $1000 cash prize.
The finalists will be profiled in a special 88-page liftout, the Sheep Breeders' Compendium, in Stock & Land, The Land and Stock Journal on June 25.
Entries close at 5pm on Sunday June 7.