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SA Grain Awards honour past, present

Grain Central February 5, 2025

Andrew Polkinghorne, who farms at Lock on the Central Eyre Peninsula, is the inaugural SA Grain Producer of the Year. Photo: GPSA

OUTSTANDING contributors to South Australia’s grain sector have been recognised at the inaugural South Australian Grain Industry Awards.

The event, held yesterday at the Adelaide Oval, brought together 300 industry leaders, growers, researchers, and agribusiness professionals to recognise the individuals and businesses driving innovation, sustainability, and leadership in SA’s grain sector.

The highlight of the evening initiated and hosted by Grain Producers SA was the announcement of the first South Australian Grain Industry Hall of Fame inductees, which honoured five individuals whose contributions have shaped the industry over generations.

GPSA chief executive officer Brad Perry said the event was a momentous occasion that celebrated
both the present and the past.

“The South Australian Grain Industry Awards have been established to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of those who drive innovation, sustainability, and resilience in our sector,” Mr Perry said.

“I want to extend my sincere congratulations to all the winners and finalists.

“The talent and dedication within our industry is inspiring, and it is wonderful to see the hard work and innovation recognised.”

Elders SA general manager Bernard Seal addresses the inaugural SA Grain Industry Awards dinner held at the Adelaide Oval yesterday evening.

Mr Perry said the event have a chance to honour growers and industry professionals whose legacies have paved the way for future generations through the South Australian Grain Industry Hall of Fame.

SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven spoke at the awards.

“Congratulations to all finalists and winners at the inaugural South Australian Grain Industry Awards, which recognised excellence, leadership, and innovation within the state’s multi-billion-dollar grain sector,” Ms Scriven said.

“It is a privilege to be able to celebrate a sector that, despite challenges in the past year, remains a critical part of the state’s economy and provides employment to so many across our state.

“Now, more than ever, it is important that there is reliability and long-term stability for our primary industries and regions – and the state government is committed to listening and working collaboratively with the grains sector so that we can all deliver the best outcomes for our state.”

Following are the winners of the 2025 SA Grain Industry Awards:

Innovation Award: Sam Trengove – outstanding contributions to agronomic research and development, including groundbreaking trials that are set to revolutionise farming practices, particularly in low-rainfall years;

Finalists in each category, including Jess Koch, pictured with husband Joe, were recognised at the event. Photo: Breezy Hill Precision Ag Services

Sustainability Award: Tim Paschke – commitment to soil health and sustainable farming techniques, achieving remarkable production results despite minimal growing-season rainfall;

Women in Grain Award: Lou Flohr – leadership and influence in the grains industry, including her active roles in governance, advocacy, and industry mentorship;

Industry Impact Award: Professor Christopher Preston – significant contributions to agricultural research and advocacy for responsible chemical use in broadacre farming;

Young Grain Producer of the Year: Jock McNeil – innovative approach to farming in the Mallee and his leadership in adopting new technologies to manage soil and weeds; and,

Grain Producer of the Year: Andrew Polkinghorne – forward-thinking approach to farming, global research on grain industry trends through a Churchill Fellowship, and lessons applied in succession planning processes within his family business.

Inaugural SA Grain Industry Hall of Fame Inductees

Historic

John Ridley: Inventor of the Ridley Stripper, the world’s first successful mechanical grain harvester, which revolutionised global grain production; and,

Richard and Clarence Smith: Pioneers of the Stump Jump Plough, an innovation that allowed for broadacre cropping on previously unusable land.

Modern

John Lush: A highly respected grains industry advocate, inaugural Chair of Grain Producers SA, and a key figure in industry leadership at both state and national levels;

Dr Allan Mayfield: A renowned researcher, agronomist, and industry leader, with a legacy in grains research and development; and,

Ken Schaefer (posthumous): A passionate industry advocate, instrumental in establishing the South Australian Grain Industry Trust, supporting millions of dollars in research funding.

Source: GPSA

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