B+LNZ is proud to congratulate the winners of the 2026 Institute of Rural Professionals Awards, announced in Wellington recently.
Carla Muller of Perrin Ag Consultants Ltd was named the B+LNZ Rural Professional of the Year, recognising her outstanding contribution to the sector and commitment to supporting farmers through high-quality advice and expertise.
The FARMAX and Farm IQ Systems Emerging Rural Professional of the Year Award was awarded to Emma Ractliffe of Progressive Meats Hastings, recognising her leadership and positive impact as an emerging rural professional.
Two other outstanding finalists were highly commended: Greg Dryden of Fruition Horticulture in the Rural Professional of the Year category, and Alex Coddington of AgriHQ in the Emerging Rural Professional of the Year category.
B+LNZ is proud to support the Institute of Rural Professionals and acknowledge the important role rural advisers, consultants and industry specialists play in helping farmers navigate challenges, adopt new ideas and build resilient farm businesses.
Claire Teutenberg, B+LNZ’s Extension Manager – Southland who attended the evening says, “The calibre of finalists for the awards creates a huge amount of excitement about the group of professionals that will be shaping the agribusiness sector for years to come.”
These awards celebrate the expertise, dedication and leadership that help drive positive outcomes on farm and across rural communities.
Congratulations to Carla, Emma, Alex, Greg and all the nominees recognised through this year's awards. Your commitment to supporting New Zealand's primary sector is making a real difference.