Public voting is now open to determine the finalists of the 2026 Agricultural Town (Ag Town) of the Year Award.
The Ag Town of the Year Award celebrates the strength and vitality of the state's agricultural sector, highlighting towns that embrace their farming heritage and demonstrate foresight, resilience, and community spirit.
Now in its eighth year, the award is an initiative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), delivered in partnership with Solstice Media – owner of respected South Australian publications InDaily SA and SALIFE.
Ninety-one unique towns have been nominated for this year's award, each showcasing their distinct character, commitment to sustainable farming and innovation, and the important role agriculture plays in their local communities.
The towns put forward for consideration this year are based in regions right around the state, including the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu, Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island, Limestone Coast, Mid North, Murraylands, Northern Areas, Riverland, Spencer Gulf and Yorke Peninsula.
Each nominated town reflects the diverse landscapes and communities that define South Australian agriculture, while highlighting the farming heritage, strategic thinking and strong community spirit found across the state.
It's now up to the public to help determine the final field of towns to compete for the title of South Australia's Ag Town of the Year.
Voting is open until Wednesday 3 June, with the 10 towns that receive the most votes progressing to the next stage of the competition. The top 10 towns will be announced in mid-June.
Each finalist will then be invited to provide a written submission to an independent judging panel, which will assess their contribution to agriculture and regional development, community strength and regional leadership.
From this group, three finalists will be selected for town visits before the ultimate winner is announced at the 2026 South Australian Regional Showcase Awards later this year.
The 2026 Ag Town of the Year Award winner will receive:
- A certificate and trophy presented by the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development at the awards event
- Town entrance signage recognising the town's remarkable achievement
- A community event and sign unveiling ceremony
- Media exposure, including stories showcasing the achievements of individuals and businesses, as well as video highlights of regional development and agricultural contributions
- A guaranteed double-page feature in the 2027 February edition of SALIFE magazine and coverage by digital news outlet InDaily SA
- Networking opportunities throughout the program and at the awards night.
Previous Ag Town of the Year Award winners include Lameroo (2025), Penola (2024), Wudinna (2023), Mypolonga (2022), Kimba (2021), Pinnaroo (2020) and Cleve (2019).
To view the list of nominated towns and cast your vote, visit AgTown.com.au.
As put by Clare Scriven
It's clear from the diverse range of towns nominated for this year's Agricultural Town of the Year Award that South Australians are passionate about the regions.
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.
The Ag Town of the Year Award is about celebrating our vibrant regional communities and acknowledging their resilience, community values, and commitment to delivering the goods and services we so often rely on.
I encourage everyone to have their say and cast their vote for the town they believe best represents what makes South Australia's regional areas so special.
Congratulations to the nominated towns and best of luck to each of them as we get closer to finding out which will be the 2026 Ag Town of the Year.
