The 2017 Emerging Leaders in Victorian Agriculture (ELVA) awards were announced on Wednesday, with Hawkers’ Justin Corbitt among the winners.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) announced the recipients during the annual Agribusiness Leader’s Luncheon at the Royal Melbourne Show.

Justin Corbitt (left) with the other winners

Corbitt, who became head brewer at Hawkers Beer in March, was one of three agriculture industry participants who will wina cash bursary of $5000 to go towards their career development and access to valuable professional development activities through the support of RASV.

“Starting on the packaging line, he progressed to his current position in the short space of 18 months,” the RASV said.

“He has been the driving force in creating new products and overseeing the development of one of Victoria’s largest barrel aging programs.

“His knowledge of overseas markets, through his previous trade in the steel industry, has enabled Hawkers to develop an export plan and implement it to New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, UK, China and Hong Kong.

“Hawkers Beer has received 12 medals in the Australian International Beer Awards under Justin’s tenure as head brewer and he works closely with contract customers in developing and refining products to a higher standard.”

The other winners were livestock agent Adam Mountjoy and Dr Sherrie Lee, who is assistant horse superintendent at the Whittlesea Agricultural Society.

Part of RASV’s focus on increasing youth participation in agriculture throughout the Royal Melbourne Show, the ELVA awards were judged by a panel of industry professionals, after nominations were received earlier this year.

Nominations for next year’s awards will open in June 2017.