THE AWARDS
Recognising Australia's irrigation leaders
The Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards celebrate Australian farmers and growers who are demonstrating excellence in irrigation management, innovation and environmental stewardship. Whether they're adopting new technology, improving water-use efficiency, enhancing environmental outcomes or simply running an outstanding irrigation operation, the Awards aim to showcase outstanding irrigation practices, encourage the sharing of knowledge across the agricultural sector, and recognise individuals and businesses making a positive contribution to the future of irrigated agriculture.
The Awards are open to farmers and farming operations within Australia who are irrigating a minimum of 25ha. Full terms and conditions are available here.
How to get involved?
You can be part of that journey in one of two ways — by nominating a farmer or grower who deserves recognition, or by entering yourself for the Awards.
Nominate a Farmer or Farming Business
Know someone doing an exceptional job with irrigation? Nominate them for the Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.
Everyone nominated is personally contacted and congratulated on their nomination and invited to enter the Awards should they wish.
Many outstanding growers would never consider putting themselves forward for an award, despite leading the way in sustainable irrigation. A nomination is simply a way of saying: "We see what you're doing, and we think it's worth celebrating."
Anyone can make a nomination - it only takes a minute.
Enter the Awards
Now more than ever, there is a focus on water use and agriculture is in the spotlight for ensuring sustainable water management.
We know how hard farmers work to manage and care for their water resources. These Awards are designed to celebrate farming excellence and be a platform to share how farmers are leading the way in responsible irrigation, innovative water management, and environmental stewardship.
The Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards are open to farmers and farming operations within Australia that are leading the way in sustainable irrigation management.
2026 Awards Timeline
20 July 2026 Nominations and entries open
14 August 2026 Nominations close
31 August 2026 Entries close
Sept - Oct 2026 On-farm judging (finalists only)
“It is quite humbling and an absolute honour to be awarded the Supreme Winner of the Trailblazer Awards. I was absolutely stoked to be a finalist let alone win the top award! You are only ever as good as the people around you. This Award is a testament to the hard work, attention to detail and passion of the team at Vaucluse Agricultural Company over the last seven years.”
Simon Burgess, 2022 Supreme Winner
“Thank you to Zimmatic Trailblazer Awards and all the sponsors for the effort you have put into this award to make it happen in this challenging time. We as a family are very proud for our achievement to win and the recognition that we have received has been overwhelming. I have had received phone calls from people to congratulate me that I never thought I would both from within and outside the agricultural industry.”
Rob and Eliza Tole, 2020 Supreme Winners