Overview
- Ms Zanker recognised for her leadership in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through education and agritourism.
- Dairy Adventures is an agritourism venture on the Zanker family's 4,000-acre mixed property, where people of all ages are invited to experience the heart of dairy farming.
- She receives a $15,000 Westpac Grant and goes on to represent South Australia at the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner where a National Winner will be announced
Co-founder of Dairy Adventures Narelle Zanker named 2026 South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner.
Ms Zanker recognised for her leadership in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through education and agritourism.
Based in Mannum, Dairy Adventures is an agritourism venture on the Zanker family's 4,000-acre mixed property, where people of all ages are invited to experience the heart of dairy farming.
Ms Zanker returned to her family farm after four years in the classroom, combining her passion for education and dairying to launch Dairy Adventures in 2024. Through fun, immersive and hands-on experiences, she is turning working dairy farm visits into powerful lessons about food safety, animal care and where food comes from.
Experiencing the heart of dairy farming
In its first year, Dairy Adventures welcomed more than 1,200 visitors; from preschoolers to retirees, schools, aged-care and disability groups – running up to four tours a week and earning a silver medal in the New Tourism Business category at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards.
The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, supported by platinum sponsor Westpac, is Australia's leading award recognising the innovation, leadership and impact of women in rural and regional industries and communities.
As the 2026 South Australia AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner, Ms Zanker will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant to develop a welcoming farm space with accessible paths and interactive features for visitors of all abilities.
The funding will support the publication of a children's book about life on a dairy farm for schools, libraries and homes across Australia, and the creation of educational resources in collaboration with Dairy Australia to extend learning beyond the farm. She will also undertake a professional development course of her choice.
Ms Zanker received her award from Her Excellency Hon Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia at a ceremony in Adeliade last night.
Ms Zanker said Dairy Adventures is about more than showing people a farm. "When people see the science, the systems and the care that goes into every bottle of milk, something clicks. We're not just a farm, we're a food production facility, and we want people to understand and value that."
Transforming public understanding
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, Brianna Casey AM said the award celebrates women creating lasting impact where it matters most.
"The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award recognises women who are shaping the future of rural and regional Australia through innovation, enterprise and leadership. Narelle's work is a compelling example of how agritourism and education, when done well, can transform public understanding of farming and strengthen the connection between producers and consumers."
Westpac Regional General Manager, Regional & Agribusiness, Brad Higigns, said Ms Zanker's work is creating lasting change in Mannum and beyond.
"Through Dairy Adventures, Narelle is opening doors for people of all ages to connect with farming, understand where their food comes from, and develop a genuine appreciation for the people behind it. We're proud to support Narelle as she continues to grow Dairy Adventures and showcase the innovation and education at the heart of Australian farming". Mr Higgins said.
Later this year, Ms Zanker will represent South Australia at the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, where the national winner will receive an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the national runner-up an additional $15,000.
