The 2026 Nuffield Scholarship cohort.
- NFF announces interim head
- Young grain judges shine
- GIAV life memberships awarded
- Fennessy departs DAFF
- Robinson joins Reid
- FTA accelerates growth
- New faces at Cotton Australia
- Gourlay joins Pacific Seeds
- Holliday heads Murrumbidgee Irrigation
- Hooper named AGS GM
- Ball returns to GPSA Board
- Macintyre cotton winners announced
- Nuffield lists 2026 scholars
NFF announces interim head
The National Farmers’ Federation has appointed Su McCluskey as interim chief executive, effective September 1, as its search continues for a permanent CEO.
“Ms McCluskey joins us fresh from her role as Special Representative for Australian Agriculture, where she was a strong and passionate advocate for sustainable Australian agriculture and brings deep expertise in agricultural policy at both national and international levels,” NFF president David Jochinke said.
Su McCluskey.
A farmer and former chief executive of the Regional Australia Institute, Ms McCluskey has also held senior roles at the NFF and is now a director of the Australasian Pork Research Institute and chair of the Crawford Fund.
“My priority is to ensure the NFF contributes strategic thinking and strong policy ideas, guided by our members’ priorities, as well as ensuring the daily operations of the NFF continue to run smoothly,” Ms McCluskey said.
“I look forward to working with the NFF family to shape policies that secure a bright future for Australian agriculture and regional communities.”
Young grain judges shine
Caitlin Grieve of Clarkes Hill, Victoria, has won the national young grain judges prize ahead of Heather Walker of Grenfell and Urrbrae’s Victoria Clarke at Royal Adelaide Show.
Finalists in the Lawson Grains national young grain judges champions travelled from all states to vie for the Australian title.
Caitlin Grieve.
Ms Grieve is a sixth-generation farmer, and studied agricultural science at Lincoln University in New Zealand on a leadership scholarship.
“I have just won the national final young judges grain section, and oh my goodness it means such a great deal,” Ms Grieve said.
“I chose to judge wheat and I didn’t think I had that much to say but it all just came to me.”
Open to competitors aged 15-25, the championships bring together the best from each state— selected through regional and state show success — to contest events ranging from young judges and cattle paraders to the Australian Young Farmers Challenge and the National Rural Ambassador Award.
“These young competitors are the future of agricultural show competitions, which are so important to the growth of Australia’s food and fibre industries,” Agricultural Shows Australia chair Jac Wilson-Smith said.
GIAV life memberships awarded
Grain Industry Asssociation of Victoria life memberships have been awarded to Adrian Murphy and Shane Wall, who join living life members Peter Allen and Jim Riordan.
The awards were presented at the recent GIAV annual general meeting, which saw Liam Richmond from JBS Pork join the committee.
Riordan Grain Services domestic sales manager Adrian Murphy (left) and Peaco founder Shane Wall (centre) this month joined Peter Allen (not pictured) and Riordan Group owner Jim Riordan as GIAV life members. Photo: GIAV
Staying on as non-voting members to enable the GIAV committee to sit at its maximum member number of 11 are Cargill national sales manager Katrina Liston and Bunge’s Chris Spano.
Fennessy departs DAFF
Following the completion of his term on Friday, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Secretary Adam Fennessy will be replaced in the interim by Justine Saunders ahead of a replacement being appointed.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins thanked Mr Fennessy for his service to the Federal Government.
“Mr Fennessy came into DAFF at a transitional time and has worked hard to stabilise the department,” Ms Collins said.
“This includes improving DAFF’s finances, continuing to strengthen our world-class biosecurity system, and expanding trade opportunities for Australia’s farmers and producers.
“I wish Mr Fennessy all the best with his future endeavours.”
Robinson joins Reid
Reid Stockfeeds has appointed Andy Robinson as its general manager commercial.
Andy Robinson.
Mr Robinson has extensive experience in the stockfeed and related sectors in Australia and New Zealand, and was Berg & Schmidt’s Singapore-based ruminants product manager from 2019 to 2024.
“He’s looking forward to rolling up the sleeves and working with our farming clients to help their animals thrive,” Reid Stockfeeds said in a LinkedIn post.
FTA accelerates growth
Farmer-owned agribusiness Farm Trade Australia has appointed a new chief executive and board to lead the next chapter in the organisation.
Agricultural business leader,Andrew Smith has taken on the role of CEO, supported by a board of directors led by western Victorian farmer John Bennett alongside Prudence Cook, Catherine Marriott, and FTA founder David Matthews.
“It’s an exciting time to be stepping into Farm Trade Australia,” Mr Smith said.
“FTA has been quietly building in the background, and we’re now ready to roll out projects that deliver real commercial outcomes while strengthening the resilience of our farming communities for the future.”
Mr Bennett said Mr Smith was a perfect fit for the company and “brings a rare combination of commercial expertise, a strong understanding of agriculture”.
“We are thrilled to announce his appointment, and his leadership will drive real value for our farmers and rural communities,” Mr Bennett said.
Since its launch in 2021, FTA has been working to build out its foundations and strategy and has launched initiatives.
These include collaborations on the High-Amylose Wheat Project, partnership with the University of Sydney to assess the commercial potential of naked barley, and progressing the Self-Sufficient Farms Project.
New faces at Cotton Australia
Richard Gray.
Cotton Australia has appointed Richard Gray as northern NSW regional manager and Annette McCaffery as myBMP sustainability implementation officer.
Mr Gray brings 27 years in the cotton industry and experience managing cotton farms, offering deep knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a lifelong connection to agriculture.
He also has agribusiness experience managing fertiliser and merchandise, adding broader industry insight.
Ms McCaffery, originally from Collarenebri, has lived and worked across the southern irrigation areas of NSW, the Central West, and now Tamworth.
Annette McCaffery.
She spent 30 years with the NSW Department of Primar Industries, beginning in rice research before moving into extension roles in natural resource and weed management, and regional and statewide irrigation roles.
More recently, Ms McCaffery was executive officer of the Dryland Cotton Research Association and with the Stop Off-target Spraydrift initiative.
Gourlay joins Pacific Seeds
Andrew Gourlay.
Pacific Seeds – Australia has appointed Andrew Gourlay as supply chain manager – Australia.
Mr Gourlay will also serve as member of the Pacific Seeds Australia Senior Leadership Team.
Mr Gourlay has had more than 30 years’ expereince in agribusiness and manufacturing, including senior roles at BASF, Bayer, Elders, Monsanto and Deltapine.
His knowledge in supply chain management, seed production and processing activities will prove an asset for Pacific Seeds’ Australian operations and customers.
Holliday heads Murrumbidgee Irrigation
This month saw a significant transition at Murrumbidgee Irrigation, with Philip Holliday stepping into the role of CEO following the tenure of long-serving leader Brett Jones.
Philip Holliday.
Mr Holliday is a highly credentialed senior executive, with extensive leadership experience across listed, private, and state-owned organisations in Australia and the UK.
Most recently, he was CEO and director of the Port Authority of New South Wales, where he was responsible for the navigation, security and operational safety of commercial trade and cruise shipping in Sydney Harbour, Port Botany, Newcastle Harbour, Port Kembla, Eden, and Yamba.
MI chair Tracey Valenzisi said Mr Jones’ decision to provide the Board with an early notice of his planned departure late last year has enabled a smooth and deliberate succession process.
“In Philip, we have a leader whose skills and experience will build on Brett’s outstanding legacy and guide MI through the next stage of opportunities,” Ms Valenzisi said.
“He has extensive experience in government relations, and expertise in leading highly regulated, capital-intensive operations in 24/7 environments, balancing customer needs with strategic long-term planning.”
Hooper named AGS GM
Allied Grain Systems will have a new general manager in Simon Hooper from January 2026.
John White and Simon Hooper of Allied Grain Systems.
Mr Hooper brings a wealth of experience from his time as general manager of Guttridge Ltd (UK) and will focus on strengthening AGS operations, and building capabilities in line with the future requirements of the Mitchells Group.
AGS founder and current managing director John White will continue with the company for the foreseeable future, taking a stronger lead in the commercial side of the company.
“His insight and experience, alongside Simon’s operational expertise, will ensure AGS continues to grow while staying true to its foundations,” AGS said in a statement published to LinkedIn.
“We look forward to this next chapter as AGS continues to expand and serve our customers with innovation and reliability.”
Ball returns to GPSA Board
Mid North grain producer Steve Ball has been returned by members to the Grain Producers SA Board at its AGM in Adelaide.
Steve Ball on the farm in SA’s Mid North.
Mr Ball, who served on the board from 2014 to 2020, has also been appointed vice-chair, and chair of the newly formed Policy Committee.
Reinstated as GPSA chair is John Gladigau.
Murraylands grower director Deanna Paech has also been reappointed for a second term.
Mr Gladigau said Mr Ball brings an outstanding mix of leadership, advocacy experience, and grassroots farming knowledge to the board.
“Steve is not only a highly regarded grain producer but also a proven industry advocate who understands the policy and market pressures growers are facing right now,” Mr Gladigau said.
Ms Paech was also appointed as chair of the GPSA Young Grain Producers Committee, while Chelly Litster was reappointed to the position of chair for GPSA’s Audit, Finance and Risk Committee.
Mr Gladigau also paid tribute to retiring grower director Peta Willmott for her service to GPSA and to the state’s grain industry.
Macintyre cotton winners announced
About 150 cotton growers and industry supporters gathered at the Goondiwindi Race Club on August 29 for the Macintyre Valley Cotton Awards.
LDC’s Jock Jackson and Hollie Gall present the Macintyre Valley Cotton Farm of the Year Award to Will Carrigan (centre) as manager of AFF’s Karamba.
The Best Irrigated Yield and the overall Cotton Farm of the Year went to Australian Food and Fibre’s Karamba, managed by Will Carrigan, with a top yield of 17 bales per hectare.
The Top Dryland Award went to Will Coulton, Getta Getta, with a yield of 5.46b/ha, and the Water Efficiency Award went to Corish Management, Mundine, managed by Jeremy Beeston.
The Young Achiever of the Year went to Georgie Flick, and the Service to Industry Award went to Cotton Australia regional manager and MCA Agronomist Cate Wild.
The Coulton Family, Christian Capp and Groh Ag won the Innovation of the Year Award, while Glen Harney received the Patricia Coulton Memorial Award.
Nuffield Scholars announced
With topics ranging from traceability tools and virtual farm replicas to achieving work-life balance on-farm and community resilience, Nuffield Australia’s latest crop of 25 scholarship recipients will be exploring a wide range of cutting-edge agricultural practices and research.
Over the next 18 months, the 19 scholars will undertake 15 weeks of international travel, with their findings then shared with peers and industry stakeholders, helping shape the future of farming in Australia.
“Our 2026 scholars embody the innovation and resilience that define Australian agriculture,” Nuffield Australia executive director and 2013 scholar Guy Hebblewhite said.
“Their drive to learn from global leaders and apply insights locally will spark fresh thinking and strengthen agricultural communities nationwide.”
This year’s scholarships are united under the theme “be curious, drive change”, reflecting Nuffield Australia’s commitment to fostering leadership and championing innovation for the future.
Following is a list of recipients with their funding organisations and areas of study:
Simon Blyth, Delungra, NSW: Cotton Australia, CRDC and AgriFutures Australia: Exploring how the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, automation and robotics can unlock the next frontier of farming performance;
Laura Davies, Sydney, NSW: 1979 Scholar Michael Bennett: Studing how diversifying Australia’s export destinations can strengthen and future-proof primary industries;
Jessica Fedorow, Lewis Ponds, NSW: Nuveen Natural Capital: Studying ROI and outcomes of investment in farm infrastructure;
Kristen Hegarty, Cassilis, NSW: Future Drought Fund: Investigating ways to add value to traditional livestock enterprises;
Sally Turner Trundle, NSW: Meat & Livestock Australia: Studying how farmers are reframing administration as a strategic activity;
Isobel Heffernan, Daly Waters, NT: Future Drought Fund: Studying new ways to empower communities to drive climate resilience in grazing landscapes;
Sam Clothier, Lucindale, SA: Public Sector Pension Investment Board’s Nature Resources group: Studying free range poultry systems, hen health, productivity and longevity;
Jock McNeil, Loxton, SA: GRDC: Studying strip-till systems, precision application and automation and how these technologies can help overcome multi-layered soil constraints for croppers;
Penny Hooper, Longford, Tas: Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and JM Roberts Charitable Trust: Studying how to make livestock and dairy farming compatible with a sustainable work-life balance;
Blythe Calnan, Uduc, WA: Future Drought Fund: Investigating how stock handling can build resilience in people, animals, businesses and landscapes;
Callum Wesley, Southern Cross, WA: CBH Group: Studying opportunistic cropping and low rainfall break crops;
Sally Bethune, Lake Boga, Vic: Gardiner Foundation: Studying the keys to success in value-adding for dairy farmers;
Yumeng Chen, Melbourne, Vic: Hort Innovation’s Vegetable Fund: Exploring how virtual replicas of farms can revolutionise decision-making, resource allocation and supply chain coordination;
Sally Buck, ACT: CSIRO scientist to participate in the Awards Dinner and National Conference, the Contemporary Scholars Conference and the Global Focus Program – key components of the Nuffield program;
Jackson Boardman, Ravensbourne, Qld: Hort Innovation’s Avocado Fund: Exploring how to integrate drones into horticultural tree crop systems;
Jessica Bidgood, Central Qld: Future Drought Fund: Investigating how integrated approaches can help improve the production, profitability and ecological health of grazing systems;
Nathan Cleasby, Townsville, Qld: FRDC: Studying how Australian farmers can innovate and supply a greater percentage of the global freshwater crayfish market;
Michelle Lyons, south of Charters Towers, Qld: Rabobank and the Northern Pastoral Scholarship supported by AACo, Consolidated Pastoral Company, Elders, and S. Kidman & Co: Studying how edutourism can foster public trust and understanding of red meat production;
Abby Templeton, Kybong, Qld: AgriFutures Australia: Exploring how to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation of a tissue culture program to tackle the rise of off-type plants in the ginger industry; and,
Kate Watts, Toowoomba, Qld: Supported by the Future Drought Fund: Exploring how traceability tools can improve real-time decision-making, especially for smaller and remote producers.
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