The shortlisted finalists have been announced for the inaugural Paul Lionetti Great Southern Farmer of the Year Awards, with the winners to be crowned at a gala later this month. The awards committee fielded an “exceptional” group of nominations for the inaugural awards, something they said was reflective of the “remarkable calibre” of people working in agriculture throughout the region. The inaugural finalists are Karri Hill Pastoral’s David Richardson, Kevin Hard from Naracoopa Simmental Stud, and Mortlea Farming’s Wade Brown. Credit: Supplied / MLAThere are four shortlisted finalists for both young farmer of the year and female farmer of the year, with a wealth of high-quality nominations received for both awards. Piacun Farm Produce’s Steven Piacun, and Parry Beach farmer Flynders Amess are also finalists for young farmer of the year.