Two young agribusiness professionals, both with southern connections, are in the finals of the transtasman Zanda McDonald award.
Dean Rabbidge, a dairy, beef and sheep farmer from Wyndham, and Erica van Reenen, an agricultural and environmental consultant, have been selected, along with Western Australian soil scientist Wesley Lefroy.
Ms van Reenen, who was brought up in Wanaka and is now based in the Manawatu, was previously environmental extension manager for Beef and Lamb New Zealand, before joining AgFirst.
Mr Rabbidge is a former two-time grand finalist in the Young Farmer Contest, representing Otago-Southland.
The winner will be announced at the Platinum Primary Producers' conference in Wellington in March.
The award package, valued about $30,000, includes a tailored mentoring package, a place on Rabobank's farm managers' programme, and cash.