Three's the magic number of Ag Town of the Year finalists

Communities from the Eyre Peninsula, Mid North and Riverland have reached the final round of the 2026 Agricultural Town (Ag Town) of the Year Award program.

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, innovation, 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 – publisher of respected South Australian publications InDaily SA and SALIFE.

The final round is here after independent judges Kris Lloyd AM, Professor Simon Maddocks and Joyce Ceravolo settled on three finalists. These finalists were chosen after assessing applications from the Top 10 towns as voted by the public.

Ag Town of the Year final three:

• Burra – Mid North
• Cummins – Eyre Peninsula
• Waikerie – Riverland

Each town has a storied history in this annual prorgam, with Burra reaching the finals in 2024, Cummins reaching the Top 10 in 2024 and 2025, and Waikerie making a comeback after previously reaching the Top 10 in 2023 and Top 5 in 2022.

To determine the winner, judges Kris, Simon and Joyce will visit each finalist town to experience firsthand their innovation, community spirit, and contributions to the primary industries sector.

The Ag Town of the Year Award winner will be announced at the 2026 South Australian Regional Showcase Awards later this year.

The winning town will receive a certificate and trophy, town entrance signage recognising their achievement, a community celebration and sign unveiling ceremony, media exposure including a double-page feature in SALIFE magazine and coverage from InDaily SA, and networking opportunities throughout the program and at the awards event.

Previous winners include Cleve (2019), Pinnaroo (2020), Kimba (2021), Mypolonga (2022), Wudinna (2023), Penola (2024) and Lameroo (2025).

Stay up to date with the 2026 Ag Town of the Year Award by visiting AgTown.com.au.