National real estate agency and advisory firm Land, Agribusiness, Water & Development (LAWD) has congratulated young NSW beef producer and emerging industry leader, Charlie Perry, on receiving the prestigious Zanda McDonald Award for 2022.

Now in its eighth year, the Zanda McDonald Award recognises people aged 21 to 35 working in the primary industry sectors of New Zealand and Australia, with the winner given access to the expertise and experience of prominent agribusiness leaders to further develop their career.

Mr Perry has managed his family’s Wagyu beef operation at Gurya, Northern New South Wales, since 2016 and serves as the current president of the Australian Wagyu Association.

LAWD Senior Director and Zanda McDonald Award Judge, Col Medway, said Mr Perry was among a high calibre group of finalists, and a remarkable award recipient, who displayed humble determination to be part of the transformation of agriculture.

“It was a privilege to be involved in the Zanda McDonald Award, with judging made very difficult by the exceptional standard of finalists who were each outstanding in their own way,” Mr Medway said.

“Zanda McDonald made an enormous contribution to Australian agriculture, leading by example and encouraging young agriculture leaders to propel the industry forward. Over the years, this award has gone to young people who show that same commitment to continually improving the industry.

“Charlie is a wonderful example, who demonstrated all the key qualities that epitomises the Zanda McDonald Award, including his enthusiasm to grow his family’s seed stock business and his dedication to both his local community and industry associations.

“Through the judging process, it was evident Charlie had a clear understanding of the challenges facing his business and the industry more broadly, and demonstrated the value he placed in the education and mentorship offered by the Award.”

As the winner, Mr Perry will receive a $10,000 education package with mentoring and training opportunities spanning the trans-Tasman, tailored to his desired areas of growth, including social media skills, so he can continue to play an influential role in industry.

Mr Medway said LAWD prioritised partnering with the Australian agriculture community to contribute to a prosperous future, and was continually looking for ways to support the young people who are creating change.

“As a company we are delighted to support the next generation of leaders in agriculture through the Zanda McDonald Award,” Mr Medway said.

“We have a terrific team of emerging leaders at LAWD who are pushing our business to new heights, and we work determinedly to support their careers.

“This includes creating graduate opportunties across both our valuations and transactions teams to attract more young people to the agriculture sector.”

LAWD announced its three-year sponsorship of the Zanda McDonald Award in 2021 to support industry in growing and mentoring the agriculture leaders of tomorrow.