Paul Routley, a fourth generation farmer, is principal of the Almondvale Stud in southern NSW.

And he, together with his family, are now finalists in the prestigious livestock producer of the year award.

The competition, run by the Kondinin Group, seeks to identify Australia’s best producers and reward them for a job well done.

“When I got to the phone call to say we were finalists I was over the moon,” said Mr Routley.

“We entered with some anticipation but to be selected in the final three is rewarding.”

The Routley family run a Bond, Poll Merino and White Suffolk Stud. Mr Routley is president of the White Suffolk Breeders Group and national president of the Bond Breeders Group.

“Being involved in this award puts our passion and commitment to the industry on show,” he said.

“It is an honour and a privilege to represent the sheep industry at this level.”

So far in the national competition finalists have been named for eight of the nine categories.

Nine of the 26 finalists are from NSW, while Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria has four; Western Australia, three; and Northern Territory and South Australia, with one each, are also represented. The Australian Farmer of the Year Awards, hosted by Kondinin Group is designed to promote the contribution producers and farming families make to the nation, inspire career choices and encourage investment interest in the industry.

Category award winners and overall 2015 Australian Farmer of the Year will be announced at the annual awards dinner to be held at the Intercontinental Sydney on Wednesday, September 9. 

Also in the category of livestock producer of the year is David and Prue Bondfield of the well known Palgrove Charolais Stud, Queensland and Rowan Rodgers, NSW