Cotton Australia award recipients Tyson and Rosie Armitage, Grace Griffiths, Jock and Hugh Brownhill, and Dr Murray Sharman.

• Cotton Australia awards announced
• Drapers heads AOF
• Simpfendorfer clinches Brownhill Cup
• New faces on Grains Australia councils
• Rice industry award winners
• Cotton moves
• Ford named AgForce CEO
• GRDC welcomes panel members
• InterGrain appoints CFO
• AGT’s Bergersen gets new WA role
• Gary Sansom Scholar named

Cotton Australia awards announced

Cotton Australia has announced Merrilong Agricultural Company, represented by brothers Hugh and Jock Brownhill, as the 2025 Bayer Cotton Growers of the Year.

Cotton Growers of the Year award winners Hugh and Jock Brownhill of Merrilong.

Fourth-generation farmers at NSW Liverpool Plains, the Brownhills oversee 1200ha of dryland cotton and 320ha under irrigation.

The recipients of the AgriRisk High Achiever Award are Tyson and Rosie Armitage from Cecil Plains on Queensland’s Darling Downs, who manage the day-to-day operations of the Wamara Farming Trust, in close collaboration with parents Stuart and Maxine Armitage.

The CRDC Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award went to Grace Griffiths, a cotton grower, agronomist and Geographical Information System specialist with Digital Ag Technologies in Goondiwindi.

The recipient of the Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year Award is Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries principal plant pathologist Dr Murray Sharman, who oversees national virology diagnostics and research, and plays a crucial role in biosecurity preparedness for viruses that may affect the cotton industry.

The prestigious Incitec Pivot Fertilisers Service to the Cotton Industry Award was also announced at the dinner, and went to Andrew Watson, the 2008 cotton grower of the year.

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay congratulated all award recipients, and every nominee, as extremely deserving given their high level of commitment to the industry.

Draper heads AOF

THE Australian Oilseeds Federation and Sustainable Grains Australia will have a new manager in Courtney Draper, who will be joining the peak body in early October.

Courtney Draper

From a generational farming family in WA’s Wheatbelt, Ms Draper has extensive experience in trade, market insights, and governance.

“The future for the oilseeds industry is very positive, presenting opportunities for long-term growth from the nexus of increasingly discerning consumers, feed market growth and the global energy transition,” Ms Draper said in a statement.

“I’m looking forward to working with AOF and Sustainable Grains Australia to realise this potential.”

AOF said it was excited to welcome Ms Draper at such an important time for the sector, as locally grown oilseeds are increasingly recognised as a sustainable feedstock for decarbonising land, marine, and aviation transport.

Ms Draper worked in law in Japan and Australia before working in state development for the WA Government, later joining its agriculture department.

In 2022, Ms Draper joined the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre, and leaves the organisation as its executive general manager.

Simpfendorfer clinches Brownhill Cup

Cereal pathologist Steven Simpfendorfer has been awarded the 2025 Brownhill Cup at the annual AgQuip Grower Forum held this month.

Dr Steven Simpfendorfer.

At the event hosted by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and NSW Farmers, the Tamworth-based DPIRD senior research scientist was recognised for his work in disease surveillance, diagnostics and integrated management strategies of cereal diseases throughout New South Wales.

Each year the Brownhill Cup celebrates the people who contribute to NSW primary industries by developing and supporting new and innovative ways to enhance farming practices and ensure sustainable long-term productivity.

“I’m honoured to award Dr Simpfendorfer for his work which has greatly contributed to the improved biosecurity, sustainable crop productivity and profitability in the grains industry,” Gordon Brownhill who presented the award said.

NSW DPIRD director of northern cropping systems Guy McMullen said Dr Simpfendorfer is one of Australia’s most experienced and respected cereal pathologists, especially for his work in tackling Fusarium crown rot (FCR).

“Dr Simpfendorfer’s applied research has delivered millions of dollars in value to NSW and Australian grain growers,” Dr McMullen said.

“Steven’s research, and the communication of this research, has not only advanced disease control but also ensured timely, relevant, and profitable outcomes for growers across NSW and beyond.”

New faces on Grains Australia councils

Grains Australia has welcomed recently appointed members to its advisory councils.

Cheryl Kalisch Gordon

Christine Plant and Michael Reeves join the Barley Council, while Thomas Greentree is the newest member of the Pulse Counci,l and Cheryl Kalisch Gordon joins the Grains Market Access Council.

Based in NSW, Ms Kalisch Gordon brings experience in strategic planning, development, and commodity economic analysis.

Ms Plant is a grain grower and business manager from Victoria with expertise in production, storage and marketing.

Also based in Victoria, Mr Reeves has a background in grain trading and merchandising across Australia and New Zealand, as well as supply chain management and stockfeed procurement.

A NSW grower, Mr Greentree has experience across wheat, cotton, chickpeas, and faba beans and has been involved in GRDC National Variety Trials.

RGA honorary councillors Peter Draper and Neil Bull (centre) with executive director Graeme Kruger and RGA president Peter Herrman.

Rice industry award winners

The winners of the 2025 Rice Industry Awards were announced at a gala dinner held in Leeton earlier this month.

The CY25 SunRice Grower of the Year Award winners were Michael and Felicia Chalmers from Noorong, NSW.

The Chalmers were nominated for consistently producing exceptional results taking a long-term strategic approach that has underpinned the growth they’ve seen over their eight years of independent farming.

The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Honorary Councillor Award went to Peter Draper and Neil Bull.

Felicia and Michael Chalmers

The winner of the Excellence in Extension, Research and Advisory Award was Malcolm Taylor, whose research in weed control, enabling more sustainable and water-efficient management, has been a valuable part of the local industry for decades, was presented with this award.

The Grower Industry Contribution Award, which acknowledges an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the rice industry, beyond their own farming operations, was awarded to John Lolicato from the Western Murray Valley.

Port of Melbourne Highest Yield awards went to four growers with the highest yields in their regions, with overall winner named as Nathan Cauduro of Carlisle Park.

Regional yield winners were: Martin Family from the Western Murray Valley, yielding 15.88t/ha on 85ha; Martin Morona from the Eastern Murray Valley, yielding 15.92t/ha on 62ha; Shane Mannes of SG & KM Manne from the Coleambally Irrigation Area, yielding 15.61t/ha on 124ha; and Nathan Cauduro of Carlisle Park from the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, yielding 16.10T/ha on 126ha.

The Yenda Producers Specialist Grain Yield awards went to: Brett Turner of R & R Turner Management for Topaz, yielding 12.75t/ha on 41ha; Craig Bradshaw of C & A Bradshaw for Langi, yielding 12.3t/ha on 27ha; Strong family for Opus, yielding 12.82t/ha on 56ha; Kevin Warren of KJ & MT Warren for Koshihikari, yielding 11.1t/ha on 64ha; and Josh Small of Rivena Nominees for Sherpa,  yielding 14.81t/ha on 125ha.

The Cotton Australia board elected new chair Liz Stott (centre).

Cotton moves

Cotton Australia has a new chair and two new Board members after the Annual General Meeting, held this month at the Cotton Collective in Toowoomba.

Leeton cotton grower Liz Stott was elected as chair after serving as deputy for two years under Nigel Burnett who served for four years as chair, and on the board for 12 years.

Ms Stott said it was an honour to be elected chair as she thanked Mr Burnett for his service to the cotton industry in Australia.

The meeting acknowledged the tireless efforts of retiring chair Mr Burnett alongside thanking outgoing director Arthur Spellson for his contributions.

In accordance with the constitution, three positions were declared vacant, and the successful nominees were: Tony Geitz, southern NSW grower and Rivcott Ginning chair Gavin Dal Broi and Narrabri-based consulsults Robert Dugdale.

Mr Geitz this month commenced as CEO of Northern Cotton, which operates the gin at Katherine in the Northern Territory, and was previously LDC head of cotton for Australia.

Replacing Mr Geitz at LDC is Richard Porter, who has a wealth of experience across global cotton markets and has been a key part of the team in Australia since 2012.

Ford named AgForce CEO

Queensland’s AgForce has announced Niki Ford as its new CEO, effective September 29,  replacing Mike Guerin who has stepped down after eight years in the role.

Niki Ford.

An experienced CEO and board adviser, Ms Ford has held roles as chair of the Australian Food Network, board director of Ag Institute Australia and as CEO of Australian Organic Limited.

She has also worked as an agriculture consultative industry representative to the A-CCC???

Growing up on the Darling Downs, Ms Ford’s first job was as a chef before going on to a range of experiences in commercial food production and manufacturing.

“Leading an organisation with a proud 25-year legacy, and helping shape its next chapter of growth is a deeply exciting opportunity,” Ms Ford said.

“This is a pivotal moment. AgForce has a strong plan, a bold advocacy agenda and new initiatives like AgCarE and AgForce Training that position us to deliver real and lasting value to members.”

“My commitment is to listen, to lead with integrity and to work tirelessly to ensure AgForce remains the leading voice for our members and communities.”

GRDC welcomes panel members

GRDC has announced new members for its Western, Northern and Southern panels appointed for the next two years.

Experienced agricultural extension specialist Julianne Hill and Koorda grain grower Cathy Cooke join the Western Panel representing Western Australian growers, with the group farewelling deputy chair Juliet McDonald, Bencubbin grower Nick Gillett, and long-serving Calingiri grower Suzanne Woods.

GRDC Chair Sharon Starick

Appointed to the Southern Panel for the first time are Victorian grower Wayne Burton, Yorke Peninsula grower Max Young, research and extension specialist Greta Duff, and South Australian agronomist Adam Hancock.

They replace Eyre Peninsula grain grower Michael Treloar, scientific researcher and strategic leader Neil Fisher, Tasmanian grain grower Peter Damen, and grower and farming systems researcher Dr Patricia Flynn.

Crop agronomy and physiology expert Felicity Harris, Parkes grain grower Mark Swift and grower and Lawson Grains regional manager Nick Ennis have been appointed to the Northern Panel.

Outgoing Northern Panel members include Parkes grower Bruce Watson, researcher and Rice Breeding Australia CEO Georgina Pengilley and NSW Riverina grower Roy Hamilton.

GRDC chair Sharon Starick said the incoming panel members will contribute a wide range of skills and expertise that will complement the experience of existing members.

“The GRDC Board was extremely impressed with the quality of applicants, underscoring the significant industry value and respect associated with the GRDC regional panels,” Mrs Starick said.

InterGrain appoints CFO

Crop breeding company, InterGrain, has welcomed Rebecca Harris as its new chief financial officer.

Rebecca Harris

Ms Harris brings a wealth of experience to the role, with responsibility for financial management, IT and administration across the company.

She has held senior finance positions across the United Kingdom, pharmaceutical industry and most recently 19 years in the agriculture sector at Summit Fertilizers.

InterGrain has thanked outgoing CFO Troy Keenan for his more than 12-year contribution to the company.

“Troy has been an important part of our journey and we wish him every success in his new role at WAMMCO International,” InterGrain said in a statement.

AGT’s Bergersen gets new WA role

Sienna Bergersen

Australian Grain Technologies has appointed Sienna Bergersen as variety support officer for WA, based at the company’s Field Crop Breeding Centre at Northam.

Ms Bergersen has been working for AGT at Northam since 2023 in the role of field technical officer, having previously held a similar position at the company’s Wagga Wagga breeding centre in 2020-21.

The new role will see her work closely with existing variety support manager Floyd Sullivan, covering variety promotion and marketing, seed production, and technical support of AGT’s wheat, barley, lupin and canola varieties across all Agzones of WA.

No stranger to the agricultural landscape of WA, Sienna was born in Albany, and attended Muresk Institute as well as working in the agribusiness sector.

“I am passionate about the future of agriculture and committed to supporting growers by helping develop and deliver new field crop varieties that are more productive, higher in quality, and more cost-effective to grow,” Ms Bergersen said.

AGT’s head of variety support Dan Vater acknowledged the appointment as an important one for the crucial WA region.

“Having grown up in WA, she understands WA farming systems and has a real interest in helping growers get the best out of their business,” Mr Vater said.

Gary Sansom Scholar named

University of Sydney PhD candidate Shay Sadr, a poultry nutrition researcher and former data analyst, has been named the 2025 AgriFutures Gary Sansom Scholar.

Shay Sadr

Her research focuses on incorporating Australian-grown legumes into broiler chicken diets to reduce crude protein without compromising bird health or productivity.

“The innovation in my project lies not just in exploring alternative protein sources, but in integrating them into reduced crude protein diets – a strategy known to lower environmental impact and feed costs,” Ms Sadr said.

Named in honour of Gary Sansom, former AgriFutures Chicken Meat Advisory Panel chair and Australian Chicken Meat Federation president, the scholarship reflects his vision for a collaborative, innovative and skilled industry.

“By investing in early career researchers like Shay, we’re ensuring the industry continues to evolve and thrive for years to come,” AgriFutures Australia senior manager – levied industries Amanda Olthof said.

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