Western Panel chair Gary Lang presented DPIRD entomologist Svetlana Micic with the 2025 GRDC Seed of Light – West award. Photo: GRDC
- GRDC south, west region awards
- New head of Nutrien Ag Solutions Australia
- NFF appoints new chief executive
- New Grains Australia GMAC chair
- VFF welcomes new Grains Group leaders
- Barr awarded Farrer Memorial Medal
- Inman elected CBH Member Director
- Hulme joins Loam Bio
- NSW appoints Agriculture Commissioner
- Advantage Grain team expands
GRDC south, west region awards
Micic wins western Seed of Light award
Svetlana Micic, an Albany-based entomologist with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, has been awarded the western Seed of Light award at the GRDC Grains Research Update in Perth today on February 24.
The Seed of Light recognises the outstanding contribution, dedication and commitment of individuals to communicating research outcomes to people working in the grains industry.
“Svetlana has been an exceptional communicator of GRDC-invested project work around insect pest monitoring and surveillance and integrated pest management”, GRDC Western Panel chair Gary Lang said.
“The fact that WA growers have access to an insect specialist of Svetlana’s calibre in their region is an incredible asset and benefits the grains industry more
Kate Witham.
broadly.”
Ms Micic has been at DPIRD since 2003 and her key project work includes management of redlegged earth mites resistant to synthetic pyrethroids, thresholds and control options for aphids of canola, better management of mollusc pests in broadacre cropping and extension of integrated control options for pests.
In receiving the award, Ms Micic said she was honoured to be recognised with the Seed of Light and humbled to be placed in the same category as the worthy
recipients who have come before her.
Western Emerging Leader award to Witham
Kate Witham, a research agronomist with SLR Agriculture, was awarded the western Emerging Leader award at the GRDC Grains Research Update in Perth on February 24.
Ms Witham, who grew up in the Esperance region on family farms and among relatives involved in grower groups and research organisations, joined SLR Agriculture after completing her university studies.
“I enjoy being at the face of emerging research and working with growers to improve their systems, as well as contributing to the improvement of broadacre sustainability and efficiency,” Ms Witham said.
GRDC Western Panel chair Gary Lang said Ms Witham’s achievements to date had exceeded expectations and that she had demonstrated tremendous personal development during the initial years of her career.
“Her most notable achievements are her involvement with the two-year GRDC invested scoping study for long coleoptile wheat, and more recently, as the WA lead for the GRDC national long coleoptile project led by CSIRO,” Mr Lang said.
The Emerging Leader award recognises the commitment of a professional with less than 10 years’ experience working in the grains industry, who has contributed to the future of the industry and is emerging as a leader in their field of endeavour.
Nicholson claims southern Seed of Light
Agricultural consultant, Cam Nicholson was awarded the 2025 GRDC Seed of Light – South at the recent GRDC Grains Research Update in Bendigo.
GRDC Southern Panel Chair Andrew Russell presents consultant Cam Nicholson with the GRDC Seed of Light – South award. Photo: Melissa Marino/GRDC
With more than 40 years of experience supporting growers with the uptake of new practices, Mr Nicholson is also considered an expert in sustainability reporting, especially greenhouse gas emission calculations, and works closely with Southern Farming Systems and Marcus Oldham College.
“He is always at the forefront of learning – not just the most useful and relevant agronomic and business management knowledge – but also in developing expertise in behaviour change to best support practice change for growers,” Victorian grain grower and GRDC Southern Panel chair Andrew Russell said.
“The GRDC Southern Panel is delighted to present this award to Mr Nicholson for his dedication to growers and commitment to better outcomes across the grains industry.”
In accepting the award, Mr Nicholson said he has loved every minute he has worked in the grains
Agriculture Victoria research scientist Dr Audrey Delahunty. Photo: Melissa Marino/GRDC
industry and acknowledged the innovation of GRDC as well as thanking the GRDC Southern Panel and attendees at the ceremony.
Delahunty named southern Emerging Leader
Agriculture Victoria research scientist Audrey Delahunty has received the GRDC Emerging Leader – South award at the recent GRDC Grains Research Update in Bendigo.
“Dr Delahunty kicked off her career with the grains industry through a PhD researching genetic solutions for heat tolerance in lentils – such a relevant and valuable topic for growers,” GRDC Southern Panel chair Andrew Russell said.
“Her focus on research of value to growers has continued and she has since extended her research into frost, quality, technology, and other pulses.”
Dr Delahunty said it was a huge privilege and honour to receive the award, and thanked her team at Agriculture Victoria.
“I’m really grateful for all the relationships I’ve made – all the people who have provided advice, mentorship and those that I work alongside everyday,” Dr Delahunty said.
New head of Nutrien Ag Solutions Australia
Adrian Capogreco has been appointed as the new managing director for Nutrien Ag Solutions Australia, after predecessor Kelly Freeman was appointed as executive advisor to the company’s operations in Latin America.
Adrian Capogreco
Mr Capogreco joined the company in 2021 and most recently served as senior director of finance for its Australian operations.
With a career spanning finance and leadership roles at Nufarm, KPMG, and JP Morgan Chase, Adrian brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
“Nutrien is deeply committed to the success of our suppliers, growers, and partners, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations established under Kelly’s leadership,” Mr Capogreco said.
Mr Freeman joined Nutrien Ag Solutions in 2022 from Nutrien’s Canadian retail operations.
“It has been an outstanding professional and personal experience, and I am confident that the Australian business will continue to thrive under Adrian Capogreco’s leadership and our exceptional team across the country,” Mr Freeman said.
Troy Williams
NFF appoints new chief executive
The National Farmers’ Federation has named Troy Williams as its new chief executive, effective March 3.
Mr Williams takes over from Tony Mahar, who served as NFF chief executive officer 2016 to late 2024 and now serves as Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
“Troy is recognised for his exceptional ability to bring stakeholders together, negotiating with senior government officials, politicians, and industry leaders,” NFF president David Jochinke said.
“This will allow him to work with the NFF Board and member organisations to create an environment in which agriculture can thrive sustainably.”
Mr Williams has extensive experience leading prominent industry associations at the state and national levels, most recently, serving as chief executive of the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia, and in the past, he has led industry organisations in healthcare products, building, and property sectors.
“I’m looking forward to strengthening the NFF’s connection with its members to ensure their priorities are at the heart of our advocacy,” Mr Williams said.
New Grains Australia GMAC chair
South Australian grain trader Lyndon Asser has been appointed the new chair of Grains Australia’s Grains Market Access Council.
Lyndon Asser
He takes over from outgoing chair, Victorian grain grower Brett Hosking.
Mr Asser is experienced in international grain trading and marketing, particularly for barley, and has been a member of GMAC since its inception in 2023.
Last year he retired after 35 years with Viterra, most recently as the senior commercial manager.
Grains Australia also welcomed new council appointees, Cheryl Kalisch Gordon from NSW, and Anne Wilkins of WA.
They join existing members: Julie Alvaro, Rob Dickie, John Minogue, Luke O’Connor, Adrian Reginato, Rosemary Richards, John Stuart, Michael Vaccari and Peter Wilson.
GMAC provides strategic advice to the Grains Australia Board on trade and market access matters to ensure efficient coordination of whole-of-industry responses to trade and market access objectives and priorities, and to provide a consistent and communicative approach to key stakeholders.
VFF welcomes new Grains Group leaders
Wimmera farmer Ryan Milgate has been elected as the new Victorian Farmers Federation Grains Group president with Jason Mellings from Carron named vice president.
Ryan Milgate
Ashleigh Brooks was also elected as the VFF Grains Group regional representative – West Wimmera.
Mr Milgate takes over from previous VFF Grains Group president Craig Henderson.
All roles were uncontested.
The VFF thanked the outgoing office bearers for “their contributions over the years and helping to facilitate succession in the VFF to the next generation of VFF leaders”.
Barr awarded Farrer Memorial Medal
The prestigious Farrer Memorial Medal has been awarded to South Australian grain grower and former plant researcher Andrew (Andy) Barr, recognising his outstanding contributions to plant breeding and agricultural research.
Andrew Barr
NSW DPIRD executive director of agriculture, Darren Bayley congratulated Dr Barr on receiving the honour, acknowledging his significant impact on the industry by helping to develop over 25 varieties of oats, barley and wheat , ranging from disease-resistant strains to high-yield cultivars.
“Andy Barr exemplifies this commitment – he has made remarkable contributions in the development of improved oat and barley varieties such as the well known Echidna oats and Commander barley, all which have significantly benefited Australian farmers and agriculture,” Dr Bayley said.
Dr Barr’s achievements include developing ‘Echidna’ oats, Australia’s first semi-dwarf variety; releasing ‘Wallaroo’ and ‘Marloo’ oats, the first multipurpose varieties resistant to cereal cyst nematode; and breeding ‘Sloop SA’ and ‘Commander’ barley, key malting varieties for SA and eastern Australia.
“It is a tremendous privilege to be recognised by the Farrer Memorial Trust and I hope that all the great colleagues I have worked with—as a practicing plant breeder, a consultant, and a research administrator—share in this recognition,” Dr Barr said.
Beyond his research, Dr Barr has helped advance Australian and global crop science through his roles on the boards of CIMMYT, GRDC, and SAGIT, his reviews of crop breeding programs, and hosting research trials on his family farm.
The Farrer Memorial Trust was established to perpetuate the memory of William James Farrer, a pioneering plant breeder, and has upheld a long-standing tradition since 1936 of providing encouragement and inspiration to those engaged in agricultural science.
Russell Inman
Inman elected CBH Member Director
Russell Inman from Cadoux has been elected as CBH Group Member Director for District 2.
The other candidates who participated were Jeff Seaby (incumbent) from Mukinbudin, Tracy Lefroy from Moora and John O’Neil from Mukinbudin.
CBH chair Simon Stead thanked all candidates who participated in the process as well as grower members for casting their votes in the District 2 election.
“I would like to thank all candidates for putting their hand up to contribute to their co-operative as a Member Director, and congratulations to Russell on his election to the Board,” Mr Stead said.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mr Seaby for his strong contribution to the co-operative during his time on the Board, and for being an enduring advocate for improving CBH’s service to growers.”
Mr Inman was formally appointed to the role at the CBH Annual General Meeting held on February 21.
Hulme joins Loam Bio
With over 30 years of global experience in agriculture and technology, and a strong focus on sustainable farming solutions, Rob Hulme has joined Loam Bio as chief commercial officer.
Rob Hulme.
Mr Hulme’s leadership roles at Bayer Crop Science include managing director for Greater China, head of business development and industrial sales for APAC, and country division head for Vietnam and Cambodia, alongside serving as CEO of The Boralis Group in Singapore and Australia.
At Loam, he will be focused on setting and executing the commercial strategy, building industry partnerships and expanding the CarbonBuilder portfolio.
“I am passionate about continuing to work at the intersection of agriculture and science, and am excited to build on Loam’s track record of driving impactful and long-lasting results for farmers and for the environment,” Mr Hulme said.
Mr Hulme, a fifth-generation farmer, splits his time between Sydney, Melbourne and the family property at Holbrook in southern NSW.
Founded and based out of Orange, in the Central West of NSW, Loam Bio has pioneered world-leading technology that delivers innovative production and climate solutions to the agriculture sectors.
NSW appoints Agriculture Commissioner
The New South Wales Government has appointed Alison Stone as the state’s first statutory Agriculture Commissioner.
Alison Stone
The Commissioner will provide independent advice, conduct reviews and make recommendations to the NSW Government on agricultural matters, including productivity, land use conflict and food security.
Commissioner Stone has over 40 years of experience across primary industries equipping her to provide informed advice to the NSW Government on future proofing this vital industry.
This experience has included 25 years as a farmer, policy experience across Land, Natural Resources, Foresty, Heritage and Wildlife Roles and experience in disaster resilience, response and recovery having led the codesign process for the Disaster Wise Communities Network.
“Ms Stone’s extensive career across both the public and private sectors has made her a respected leader in agriculture and the Government is endorsing her for this role because she has a proven track record of resolving complex and contentious issues in areas such as land management reform,” NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said.
Ms Stone said she was honoured to be endorsed as the first statutory Agriculture Commissioner for NSW.
“One of my key priorities is helping government to protect and support our agricultural land, ensuring productivity remains on the government’s agenda alongside its priorities for renewable energy and housing,” Ms Stone said.
Advantage Grain team expands
The wheat, barley, and canola marketing team at Advantage Grain has expanded with the appointment of Fergus Guest as junior commodity associate.
Mr Guest has previously worked on exports of containerised grain, and has experience in the dairy and equine industries.
He is based in Advantage Grain’s Sydney office.
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