Cream of the crop – Queensland’s agriculture leaders celebrated

A rural industry strategist, a biosecurity and animal industry advocate, and an #AgTech innovator have been named as Queensland’s most outstanding contributors and innovators in agriculture, fisheries and forestry in the biennial Queensland Agriculture Awards. 

The Queensland Agriculture Awards celebrate individuals who have made an outstanding positive impact from across the sector including agribusiness, education, farm-based production, the supply chain, research, advocacy, and associated fields.

The winners of each category receive a $3,000 bursary, which they can use to support their studies or work.

Peter Kenny Medal – recognising innovation legacy

The joint recipients of the Peter Kenny Medal - Georgie Somerset and John Coward - were both recognised for their commitment to innovation that leads to profitability and sustainability.

The award is named in honour of Peter Kenny - a passionate advocate for agriculture, rural education and regional communities across Queensland, as well as being a champion for educating new generations of producers.

Hilary and Jim Kenny said that their family are very proud that the awards stand as a wonderful legacy of Peter and his contribution to the rural industry.

“Peter was an educator, an innovator, an activator and a Farmer; Peter never left you where he found you and he empowered others to the same.

“He would be very proud of the finalists and the eventual winners who embody his drive to think outside the box and improve our industry.

Meet Georgie Somerset

Georgie is a rural industry leader and strategist with a background in regional development across Australia. Georgie is based in the South Burnett and is actively involved in a family beef operation. Georgie’s experience ranges from General President of AgForce Queensland Queensland, to Director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (QLD), the RFDS Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and Chair of the Red Earth Community Foundation.

Georgie serves on advisory committees for regional development, tertiary institution, industry and community groups. She drives reform through all levels of government to ensure our primary industries and natural resources are profitable and sustainable. She is an effective leader, innovator and a passionate mentor to young leaders, particularly young women in the industry.

Meet John Coward 

John is a great leader who fosters collaboration and successful partnerships between government and industry. His previous roles as CEO of QUEP and President of Pork Queensland Inc. highlight his strong advocacy for animal industries.

John was instrumental in initiatives like Exercise Prepare and formalising Egg Farmers of Australia (EFA). He was recognised with the EFA Industry Leader Excellence Award for his service. As a biosecurity leader, John has significantly enhanced industry preparedness. He has contributed to industry standards and business processes to create sustained impact in the intensive animal industries.

Minister’s Emerging Leader Award - recognising professional excellence and leadership

Elton Miller, DAF’s Executive Director, Agribusiness and Policy and chair of the selection committee said that the recipient of the Minister’s Emerging Leader Award – Luke Chaplain  – was recognised for his passion for the industry.

“Luke is a genuine innovator, and actively promotes inclusivity and making agriculture more accessible and upskilling those with knowledge and experience to build a more resilient sector."

Meet Luke Chaplain

Luke is a fourth-generation grazier from North-West Queensland. He studied Agribusiness at Marcus Oldham College and in 2022 was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship. Luke founded SkyKelpie to complete groundbreaking drone mustering trials with support from Meat & Livestock Australia and DAF to validate the benefits of drone use in mustering.

Luke is now recognised as one of the leading experts in drone mustering and aerial stockmanship. His vision is to give livestock handlers the necessary tools they need to unlock the powerful benefits drones have to offer.