South Australians are famously proud of their patch… and judging by this year’s Ag Town of the Year nominations, they’re not afraid to let it be known.
A whopping 91 towns have been nominated for the 2026 South Australian Ag Town of the Year Award, ranging from tiny farming communities to some rather ambitious contenders.
At one end of the scale sits Halidon – a Mallee town with a population of just 18 people, best known for the iconic Mindarie-Halidon Races.
At the other? Gawler, home to almost 30,000 people and already sparking a few spirited debates about exactly how agricultural it is.
For the past eight years, the Ag Town of the Year title has become a pretty sought-after crown for regional South Australia. It celebrates the towns that don’t just survive, but thrive through agriculture, community spirit and a willingness to roll up their sleeves.
Last year’s winner, Lameroo, proved exactly why the award matters.
Driven by passionate locals determined to see their town flourish, volunteer group Lameroo Forward helped transform the community through projects, events and initiatives that went beyond the scope of local council.
When Communities Pull Together, Big Things Happen
The award is an initiative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, delivered in partnership with Solstice Media, and celebrates towns embracing their farming heritage while showing resilience, leadership and vision for the future.
Now, it’s over to the public.
Voting is open until Wednesday, June 3, with the top 10 towns progressing to the next stage of the competition. From there, towns will submit detailed applications before judges narrow the field to three finalists for town visits ahead of the overall winner being announced later this year.
As Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven put it –
“Regional towns are vital to our state’s prosperity, as we all depend on the agricultural excellence that serves as the lifeblood of so many of these communities.”
So whether your town is famous for grain silos, sheep, wineries, races, bakeries or simply punching above its weight – now’s the time to get behind it.
Check out the nominations and get voting for Ag Town of the year here.
