Three finalists announced for 2025 AgTown of the Year
The three finalists for this year’s award are recognised for their strength and ingenuity during one of the toughest dry seasons in South Australia.
This year’s Agricultural Town of the Year award will see the towns of Keith, Kimba and Lameroo vie for the coveted title.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven congratulated the towns’ communities on reaching this stage of the competition, noting each town went “above and beyond to exceed the award criteria”.
This year’s announcement comes during one of the toughest seasons in recent memory due to the drought and some regions recording their lowest rainfall on record. Despite the challenges, the three finalists have shown remarkable strength and ingenuity.
Keith and Lameroo are first time finalists for the award, while Kimba won the title in 2021 and was a finalist in 2020 and 2024.
Known for its strong livestock and cropping industries, Keith, on the Limestone Coast, has embraced climate-smart technologies and community-driven solutions to manage drought impacts and sustain local employment.
Kimba, in the Eyre Peninsula, has a strong agricultural industry, particularly in wheat production. The town is once again among the finalists in recognition of its renewed focus in refining its community-driven approach to sustainable farming and regional development through innovation and education.
Situated in the Mallee region, one of the hardest-hit drought regions, Lameroo continues to lead with resilience, fostering ag education and industry diversification while maintaining strong community cohesion.
The towns will host a judging panel for site visits over coming weeks to assess the finalists against key criteria such as innovation, economic contribution and sustainability.
“Despite the impacts of the ongoing drought on their communities, it’s inspiring to see first-time finalists Keith and Lameroo shortlisted, while the exciting community initiatives at Kimba continue to be noticed by the judges,” Scriven said.
Introduced in 2019, the Agricultural Town of the Year Award recognises South Australian towns that demonstrate excellence in supporting their local agriculture, food and wine industries to flourish, through outstanding collaboration between community, business, industry and council.
Finalists are chosen for their innovation in farming, resilience in the face of challenges, community spirit and leadership within the state’s $17.1 billion agricultural sector.
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This year, 96 towns were nominated from around the state.
“These awards are a powerful way to bring communities together, share experiences and highlight the unity and strength of our regional communities,” Scriven said.
The Agricultural Town of the Year Award is an initiative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions and delivered in partnership with InDaily.
The winner will be announced at the Regional Showcase Awards Celebration Evening on 5 November, an annual celebration of regional South Australia’s people, places, and achievements.
