FARMAX-FarmIQ and the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) are once again celebrating the outstanding individuals behind Aotearoa’s primary industries, with applications now open for the 2025 FarmIQ Emerging Rural Professional Award and the FarmIQ Rural Professional Award.
The awards celebrate the dedicated professionals who are helping to shape the future of agriculture in Aotearoa - whether they’re seasoned experts or emerging leaders just starting their journey.
The FarmIQ Rural Professional of the Year Award, launched last year, recognises experienced professionals with over five years in the industry who have made a sustained and positive impact on farmers, colleagues and the wider sector.
Alongside it, the long-standing Emerging Rural Professional of the Year Award celebrates passionate and innovative individuals with five years or less of experience in the field.
Gavin McEwen, executive general manager of FarmIQ, says, “With the recent positivity surrounding the primary sector, and recognition of the substantial contribution it makes to New Zealand’s export revenue, it’s critically important we cultivate the talent to keep the momentum going,”
“That’s why FarmIQ and FARMAX have sponsored the Emerging Rural Professional Award for over a decade. These talented young professionals will take the baton to help achieve the goal of $100 billion in export value by 2035.”
Gavin also highlights the vital role of experienced professionals: “Rural professionals are a two-way conduit between primary sector businesses and industry organisations. Their overview of the dynamics and subtleties of managing land-based businesses keeps other industry entities focused and grounded.
In providing some of the tools that help rural professions be more effective and efficient, we want to recognise that hard work done over the years by sponsoring this award.”
Winners of each award receive up to $3,000 in professional development funding, which can be used for research, overseas study tours, qualifications, or industry tools.
Jo Finer, CEO of NZIPIM says, “Recognising excellence amongst the rural profession is more than just celebrating achievements - it’s about fostering leadership, inspiring innovation, and championing the hardworking individuals who support farmers and growers to thrive.”
“By partnering with FarmIQ to deliver these awards, we’re investing in the future of agriculture, ensuring that expertise, dedication, and professional growth continue to drive positive change across the sector.”
Last year’s Emerging Rural Professional Award winner, Louis Batley, reflected on the experience:
“It was a real surprise to win the award, especially given the talent of other finalists. I am proud to be working in the rural professional space in the primary sector and am lucky that my employer, AgFirst, has given me opportunities to develop, as well as help from NZIPIM and the MPI Career Pathways Scheme. It’s great to know that I am heading in the right direction to make a positive impact on the sector.”
Dan Smith, 2024 Rural Professional of the Year, shared what the recognition meant to him:
“The New Zealand farming industry is surrounded by excellence! We have excellent farm input businesses, excellent on-farm support and service businesses, and excellent post-farm-gate businesses. To me, the NZIPIM represents all of that excellence - so to receive this award means a whole lot to me.”
Applications for both awards are now open - click the links below to nominate yourself or someone else.
Emerging Rural Professional Award (less than five years' experience)
Rural Professional Award (five or more years' experience)
Applications will be accepted through to 28 July, with the lucky recipients being announced at this year’s NZIPIM annual conference held in Christchurch on 26 and 27 August 2025.
All types of rural professionals can apply, including, but not limited to consultants, agronomists, fertiliser reps, rural accountants, vets and environmental specialists.
You can find the Terms & Conditions for the Emerging Rural Professional Award here and the Rural Professional Award here.
