Australian Star Prize for Rural Writing

The Australian Star Prize for Rural Writing is sponsored by John Deere and offers a cash prize of $1,000. The award is organised by the ACAJ to recognize excellence in print journalism in the rural sector.

The winner is chosen from finalists nominated by State rural media organisations affiliated with the ACAJ.

The successful entry goes on to represent Australia in the IFAJ Star Prize for Agricultural Writing, which is also sponsored by John Deere and announced during the annual IFAJ Congress. Only finalists selected by national guilds are eligible for the IFAJ award. International winners receive a trophy and 750 Euros.

More information: Check with your local rural media organisation to find out about the Australian award and how to enter.
For more information about judging criteria and the IFAJ Award go to www.ifaj.org/starprize/index.htm

2007 winner

The 2007 Australian Star Prize for Rural Writing has been won by Aimee Pedler, a senior journalist with the Stock Journal in South Australia.

She is pictured here with RMSA President Ian Doyle and Chair of the SA judging panel Dale Manson.

Aimee's winning entry was an investigative article looking at a critical shortage of agricultural teachers in South Australia. To view a copy of her entry click here.

Other finalists included Brad Cooper from Queensland Country Life and Matthew Cawood from The Land.

Previous winners

2006 - Neil Lyon, The Land, Tamworth, NSW. Farm Writers of NSW sponsored Neil's trip to the 2006 IFAJ Congress in Norway. His stories can be downloaded at www.nswfarmwriters.org/IFAJ_STARPRIZE.htm

2005 - Lara Ladyman, the Countryman, Western Australia.