The South Australian Grain Industry Awards recently celebrated outstanding contributors to the grain sector in South Australia. The event, which took place at the Adelaide Oval, brought together 300 industry leaders, growers, researchers, and agribusiness professionals to recognize individuals and businesses driving innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the grain sector of South Australia.
One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the first South Australian Grain Industry Hall of Fame inductees, honoring five individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped the industry over generations. This event, initiated and hosted by Grain Producers SA, was a momentous occasion that celebrated both the present and the past of the grain industry in South Australia.
Brad Perry, the CEO of GPSA, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the exceptional contributions of those who drive innovation, sustainability, and resilience in the sector. He congratulated all the winners and finalists, highlighting the inspiring talent and dedication within the industry that was being recognized.
The event also provided an opportunity to honor 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, congratulating all the finalists and winners for their excellence, leadership, and innovation within the state’s multi-billion-dollar grain sector.
The winners of the 2025 SA Grain Industry Awards were as follows:
– Innovation Award: Sam Trengove, for outstanding contributions to agronomic research and development, including groundbreaking trials that are set to revolutionize farming practices, particularly in low-rainfall years.
– Sustainability Award: Tim Paschke, for his commitment to soil health and sustainable farming techniques, achieving remarkable production results despite minimal growing-season rainfall.
– Women in Grain Award: Lou Flohr, for her leadership and influence in the grains industry, including active roles in governance, advocacy, and industry mentorship.
– Industry Impact Award: Professor Christopher Preston, for significant contributions to agricultural research and advocacy for responsible chemical use in broadacre farming.
– Young Grain Producer of the Year: Jock McNeil, for his innovative approach to farming in the Mallee and leadership in adopting new technologies to manage soil and weeds.
– Grain Producer of the Year: Andrew Polkinghorne, for his 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.
Additionally, the Inaugural SA Grain Industry Hall of Fame Inductees were honored in two categories:
Historic:
– John Ridley: Inventor of the Ridley Stripper, the world’s first successful mechanical grain harvester that revolutionized global grain production.
– 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.
– Ken Schaefer (posthumous): A passionate industry advocate instrumental in establishing the South Australian Grain Industry Trust, supporting millions of dollars in research funding.
The South Australian Grain Industry Awards were a testament to the dedication, innovation, and leadership within the grain sector, and highlighted the crucial role that the industry plays in the state’s economy. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and long-term stability for primary industries and regions, with a commitment from the state government to work closely with the grains sector to deliver the best outcomes for the state.
