SA Grain Awards honour past and present
The most outstanding contributors to South Australia’s grain sector have been crowned at the inaugural South Australian Grain Industry Awards, held at Adelaide Oval.
The event brought together 300 industry leaders, grain producers, researchers, and agribusiness professionals to recognise the individuals and businesses driving innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the grain sector.
The highlight of the evening initiated and hosted by Grain Producers SA (GPSA) 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.
Grain Producers SA (GPSA) CEO 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. Each finalist has played an important role in advancing South Australia’s grain industry, and their contributions will continue to shape the industry for years to come.
“At the Awards we not only recognised outstanding growers, researchers, and industry professionals, but we also took a moment to honour those whose legacies have paved the way for future generations through the South Australian Grain Industry Hall of Fame.
“These individuals have left an indelible mark on the sector, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of grain producers and industry professionals.”
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,” she 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.”
2025 South Australian Grain Industry Award Winners
Innovation Award (sponsored by CropLife Australia)
Winner: Sam Trengove – Recognised for his outstanding contributions to agronomic research and development, including groundbreaking trials that are set to revolutionise farming practices, particularly in low-rainfall years.
Sustainability Award (sponsored by the SA Drought Hub)
Winner: Tim Paschke – Acknowledged for his commitment to soil health and sustainable farming techniques, achieving remarkable production results despite minimal growing season rainfall.
Women in Grain Award (sponsored by Viterra)
Winner: Lou Flohr – Celebrated for her leadership and influence in the grains industry, including her active roles in governance, advocacy, and industry mentorship.
Industry Impact Award (sponsored by Cargill)
Winner: Professor Christopher Preston – Recognised for his significant contributions to agricultural research and advocacy for responsible chemical use in broadacre farming.
Young Grain Producer of the Year (sponsored by PIRSA)
Winner: Jock McNeil – Acknowledged for his innovative approach to farming in the Mallee and his leadership in adopting new technologies to manage soil and weeds.
Grain Producer of the Year (sponsored by Elders)
Winner: Andrew Polkinghorne – Recognised 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.
Inaugural South Australian Grain Industry Hall of Fame inductees
Historic Inductees –
John Ridley – Inventor of the Ridley Stripper, the world’s first successful mechanical grain harvester, which revolutionised 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 Inductees –
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.
