Two Mannum locals shortlisted for Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award
A dairy farmer and a tourism operator have been named among three finalists for the 2026 award.
Twelve months after Mannum’s Kelly Johnson won a key award for rural women, two more locals will aim to keep it in the town in 2026.
Kelly Kuhn and Narelle Zanker were named among three finalists for the Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award on Tuesday.
The award, presented by the state Department of Primary Industries and Regions, recognises women’s leadership, innovation and impact in their regional communities.
The winner will get a $15,000 grant, professional development opportunities and access to a national alumni network.
They will also represent South Australia at a national gala dinner in September.
Ms Zanker is a dairy farmer and educator who founded her family’s business, Dairy Adventures, to help people better understand where their food comes from.
As well as welcoming visitors to her farm at Mannum, she works closely with two school-based agriculture programs.
She was previously named young farmer of the year at the 2025 SA Dairy Awards, and her company was also recognised at last year’s SA Tourism Awards.
Ms Kuhn founded eco-conscious tourism ventures Juggle House Experiences and River Murray Dark Sky Tours to introduce visitors to the wonders of the Murraylands while supporting the local economy.
Her experiences, like a 2024 event with astronomer Fred Watson, combine regional storytelling with science education.
Juggle House was also recognised at the state tourism awards in 2022, and Ms Kuhn was one of three business leaders who accompanied Murray Bridge council representatives on a trip to China last year.
The third finalist for the award was Hayley Hancock, of McLaren Vale, who founded a farm insurance company.
A winner will be announced on May 5.
State Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven congratulated all three women.
“Their stories are inspiring examples of innovative, self-motivated, and driven women building a stronger, more sustainable future for regional Australia,” she said.
Ms Johnson, founder of the recently renamed Woodlane Pantry, won last year for her efforts to turn potential food waste into valuable, pre-prepared meal kits.
She also moved her business – formerly Woodlane Orchard and SP Hiker – from Murray Bridge to Mannum during 2025, having previously been based at Monarto and Mypolonga.
- More information: pir.sa.gov.au/rwa.
- Read more: Kelly Johnson wins Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award for 2025
