MLA's Brisbane office recently welcomed 2026 Zanda McDonald Award winners Bryce Neyland and Karn Dhaliwal to discuss AgTech, innovation and the future of agriculture. Pictured L-R: MLA’s Spencer Whitaker, Bryce Neyland, ZMA board member Greg Pankhurst, Karn Dhaliwal and MLA’s Michael Lee.
Where could the right connections take you?
Where could your leadership skills take you if you had the right people, experiences and opportunities backing you to thrive?
Applications for the 2027 Zanda McDonald award are now open from 1 October to 31 October 2026.
The award offers emerging leaders within primary industries across Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to broaden their thinking, expand their networks and accelerate their leadership journey.
The award was established in honour of respected Australian cattleman and industry leader Zanda McDonald to identify, support and develop the generation of leaders.
It brings together an influential trans-Tasman network committed to helping emerging leaders grow their capability, confidence and connections.
The Zanda McDonald award is open to individuals aged between 21 and 35 working across industry and are ready to take the next step in their career.
Winners will receive a highly personalised development experience.
This includes mentoring from respected industry leaders, trans-Tasman mentoring trips, professional development opportunities and lifelong access to a powerful network of alumni and industry leaders.
Meet the 2026 winners
Karn Dhaliwal, NZ
Karn Dhaliwal is the founder of Waikato-based Ohinewai Harvest Ltd and Dhaliwal Ag Ltd. Having built both businesses from the ground up, Karn combined strategic vision with hands-on leadership to create a successful large-scale cropping operation. Passionate about developing people, his long-term focus includes industry governance, horticulture expansion and supporting the next generation of primary sector leaders.
Bryce Neyland, Australia
Bryce Neyland is a civil engineer with Select Harvests and leads major projects across almond orchards and processing facilities. With a background in farming and extensive experience delivering large-scale agricultural developments, Bryce is driven by innovation, continuous improvement and building a more resilient future for Australian agriculture.
Their stories demonstrate the diverse leadership talent shaping the future of the primary industries and the opportunities the award can unlock.
Applicants don’t need a particular job title or all the answers. If you have ambition, curiosity, leadership potential and a desire to make a positive impact on the future of the primary industries, this opportunity could be for you.
Applications are now open. Apply now at zandamcdonaldaward.com/applynow.
Interested in learning more from past recipients? Visit Winners Stories to read about those who’ve experienced the award firsthand.
