We are excited to announce the three finalists for the 2026 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards. They are:
Ross and Ingrid Uebergang (left) of Tinobah, Nangram, Queensland who operate both irrigated and dryland cropping and cattle grazing across 1200ha of their property.
Sam and Carla Armytage (centre) of Billyanco Pty Ltd, Hartwood, NSW, a family-owned broadacre irrigated business using 2,250ha of irrigated land to produce a rotation of winter and summer crops.
Will Bignell (right) of Thorpe Farm, Bothwell, Tasmania who manages a mixed farming operation growing an extensive range of crops and producing both deer and sheep.
The Awards recognise and celebrate farmers who are at the forefront of responsible irrigation, innovative water management and environmental stewardship. This year’s entries came from across the country spanning a range of farm and irrigation types.
All entries were assessed by a panel of irrigation and industry professionals who reviewed submissions against the four categories.
Reflecting on the nomination, entry and initial judging process, Sarah Elliot, Awards Coordinator noted, “The Awards have been running for a number of years now, and we never fail to be blown away by the calibre of the entries received, and 2026 is no different..”
“Many of the growers who participate are quite humble people who are simply focused on doing their job as well as they can. The Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise their achievements and celebrate the positive contribution they made to Australian agriculture and the environment.”
“All nominees and entrants should be incredibly proud of their hard work. And commend the three finalists for their commitment to responsible irrigation, stewardships, and continuous improvement
Reflecting on this year’s judging process Iva Quarisa OAM, Executive Officer, Irrigation Research and Extension Committee (IREC) said: “The finalists have shown that there’s not just one way to go about farming. Sustainable irrigation can look different on every farm, but what is common across them all is that each farmer has a willingness to learn and adapt,”
“Congratulations to Ross and Ingrid, Sam and Carla, and Will who should all be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved, not only because of the results they’ve delivered but because of the example they’re setting for others across the industry.”
In late November, the judges are expected to visit each finalist for on-farm judging, to better understand exactly how the farmers are using their systems to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability.
These visits are a crucial part of the process for both the finalists who receive feedback and discussion with industry experts; and for the judges to inform their selection of the category and supreme winners.
The Awards also offer more than industry recognition. Finalists and winners will share an impressive prize package prize pool worth over AUD$20,000 designed to support continued innovation on-farm, including weather stations generously sponsored by Metos, and travel vouchers to support attendance on the Trailblazer Irrigation Study Tour to which departs to New Zealand in 2027.