RABOBANK Australia’s Moree area manager, Felicity Taylor, has been named a finalist in the Zanda McDonald Award, a prestigious trans-Tasman prize that recognises excellence in agriculture.

Ms Taylor was named alongside Will Creek, general manager of properties and livestock at vertically integrated beef and cattle company Stanbroke in Queensland, and Jack O’Connor, manager of Oxton Park, a family cropping, wool and prime lamb farm at Harden, New South Wales.

Ms Taylor, Mr O’Connor and Mr Creek were selected from a short-list of 10 nominees, following interviews in Sydney on Monday.

The Australian finalists have been selected for their leadership, passion, and impactful contributions to the agricultural industry.

Six finalists are chosen for the award, with three from New Zealand to be selected next week.

The Zanda McDonald Award offers an exclusive prize package, focused on tailored mentoring and educational opportunities.

All finalists will be invited to attend the Zanda McDonald Award Impact Summit on the Gold Coast in March next year.

Rabobank Australia’s Moree area manager, Felicity Taylor, has been named a finalist in the Zanda McDonald Award.

Ms Taylor is still coming to terms with being named a finalist.

“I’m really blown away – shocked, excited, all of the above – and I never expected to get this type of recognition,” she smiled.

“I travelled to Sydney on Monday for interviews and the calibre of people I met was exceptional.

“It’s a great thing for the bank and a great thing for Moree to be involved in an award like this.

“I can’t wait to bring home the skills I’ll learn and apply them day-to-day,” she said.

Ms Taylor was nominated after being heard on a Humans of Agriculture podcast with Oli le Lievre.

“I recorded an episode and a chap by the name of Richard Rains heard it,” she said.

“Richard is vice-chairman of the Zanda McDonald Award, and got in contact with the bank and recommended I apply.”

Ms Taylor has worked at Rabobank for eight years, the last six at the Moree branch.

She worked her way through the ranks and various positions in the branch, and was appointed branch manager three years ago.

“It’s a wonderful privilege. I get to work with a lot of people really closely, and we have a great team on the ground in Moree,” Ms Taylor said.

Award winners will each receive a personalised professional development package, including a mentoring trip across Australia and New Zealand via private jet, $10,000 in tailored education or training, media coaching, and ongoing networking opportunities to help further leadership journeys.

Award chairman, Shane McManaway, showcased the calibre and diversity of this year’s applicants.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the talent emerging from the next generation of agricultural leaders,” Mr McManaway said.

“This award has been instrumental in fostering growth and development in the industry for the past decade, and we continue to be inspired by the individuals coming forward.

“We look forward to meeting this year’s shortlist and learning more about their vision for the future of agriculture,” he said.