Image: AgriFutures
A South Australian dairy farmer who swapped the classroom for the cowshed has been named the winner of the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, earning national recognition for her work connecting Australians with the people and places behind their food.
Narelle Zanker, co-founder of Dairy Adventures near Mannum, accepted the award at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday night, recognising her innovative approach to agricultural education and regional tourism.
The family-run farm offers hands-on experiences where visitors can learn about dairy farming, animal care and the journey of milk from the paddock to the supermarket shelf.
For Narelle, the award brings together two of her greatest passions: teaching and farming.
“Whether a child is milking a cow on our farm or sitting in a classroom thousands of kilometres away, I want them to have the opportunity to connect with agriculture and understand where their food comes from,” she said.
“This award gives me an incredible platform to take this vision even further.”
Narelle established Dairy Adventures in 2024 after spending four years as a school teacher. She has also developed two school-based agriculture programs, using her teaching experience to help young people better understand farming and food production.
The business now welcomes more than 1,200 visitors each year, including school groups, families, community organisations, people living with disability and aged care residents.
Its growing success was also recognised at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards, where Dairy Adventures received a silver medal in the New Tourism Business category.
As the national winner, Narelle will receive a $20,000 Westpac grant, adding to the $15,000 she received after winning the South Australian award earlier this year.
The combined $35,000 will be invested in upgrading farm facilities, improving accessibility and creating new opportunities for visitors to learn about dairy farming. Narelle also plans to develop additional educational resources and a children’s book about life on a dairy farm.
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director Brianna Casey AM said Narelle’s business demonstrates the impact regional women are having across the country.
“Narelle Zanker embodies exactly what this award is about. She’s young, smart and passionate, and she’s built a genuinely commercial business off the back of her experience as a teacher and her life on the farm, all while reconnecting everyday Australians with where their food actually comes from.”
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven congratulated Narelle, describing her as an outstanding advocate for South Australia’s dairy industry.
“Through Dairy Adventures, Narelle is helping people to better understand where their food comes from while also bridging the gap between cities and regional communities.”
For Narelle, the national recognition is an opportunity to expand the reach of her work and continue sharing the realities of dairy farming with more Australians.
“I am so proud to represent South Australia and the Australian dairy industry, and so excited for what comes next.”
