A heartwarming image of a kelpie sleeping on freshly shorn wool has won the 2025 National Agriculture Day photography and video competition, in a record year for entries.
The photo, Sleeping on Cloud 9, depicts red kelpie, Hazel, taking a break from yarding sheep with a kip on a pile of fresh wool.
Photographer Kiana Waters captured the moment in a bustling South Australian shearing shed in Victor Harbor where she was working with her partner while they travelled around Australia.
“I decided to take my camera with me to capture some images as this is something I’ve never experienced before,” Kiana said.
“After watching Hazel move the lambs with her owner into the next pens ready for the shearers, I noticed she would make herself cosy on the wool until she was needed again. This was a moment that needed to be captured.”
The annual competition is run by the National Farmers’ Federation and sponsored by Syngenta as part of National Agriculture Day celebrations.
Six winning entries will now share in $5000 worth of prizes, thanks to Syngenta.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre congratulated the winners and entrants.
“We had more than 630 entries in this year’s competition, making it the biggest year since we started the comp in 2021,” Mr McIntyre said.
“It was hard to pick a winner, but I think the winning image speaks for itself.”
“A huge thank you to everyone who supported this competition and National Agriculture Day.
“It was fantastic to see so many people Stand with the Land on Ag Day this year.
“We’re looking forward to an even bigger and better day next year.”
National Agriculture Day is held on the third Friday of November each year.
Syngenta ANZ managing director, David Van Ryswyk, said the photo competition is a fantastic way to celebrate Ag Day.
“It has been great to be involved for yet another year,” he said.
Connor Smith was awarded second place with First Load at First Light, a photo taken at Winton, Queensland.
“The first truck in the line-up was a truck I sold to a mate who asked me to come up and take some photos,” Connor said.
“It was just on dawn and I got this shot of the trucks lining up for loading.”
The winning entries can be found HERE.
