Mannum dairy producer wins SA young farmer of the year award
Mannum dairy farmer and entrepreneur, Narelle Zanker, has been recognised as South Australian young farmer of the year.
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Mannum local Narelle Zanker has been named South Australian young farmer of the year at the 2025 Dairy Awards.
On Friday night the dairy industry celebrated at an awards gala in Adelaide, bringing together more than 360 people.
The young farmer award was presented by MP Nicola Centofanti, who acknowledged Ms Zanker's passion, dedication and contribution to the dairy sector.
Ms Zanker and her husband Joel work on a dairy farm just outside of Mannum, while also running their own on-farm tours.
Ms Zanker said she wasn't expecting to win the award: "It was a bit of a shock but exciting."
"A lot of people do similar stuff on farms but because I diversify and run another business on my parents' property ... it's another layer to what (the judges) look for," she said.
"I think that was the cherry on top that got me over the line.
"Something outside the box."
The award was judged on the farmers' management philosophy and technical abilities; winners must be aged between 16-35 years.
After four years of full-time teaching, Ms Zanker realised she wanted to merge her love for teaching and cows together.
Dairy Adventures at Mannum offers fun-filled tours where you can meet the calves, hear stories about farm life and gain an insider’s view of the dairy world.
"We're always welcoming people who are keen to come on a tour, and show them around," she said.
"It's the idea of showing people where their milk comes from and what dairy farming's all about."
Dairy Adventures recently celebrated their first birthday back in June. Photos: Dairy Adventures Mannum/Facebook
People often got a perceived idea of what dairy farming is, she said; this way they could see it firsthand.
Dairy Adventures recently celebrated their first anniversary, where they welcomed almost 100 people to commemorate the occasion.
Without the help of her parents, the owners of the dairy farm, Ms Zanker said none of this would be possible.
"Being able to run a business on their farm has been pretty cool," she said.
"I feel extremely blessed."
- More information: DairyAdventures@outlook.com, call 0499 007 672, or visit their Facebook.
