Top of the Crop: Impressive list of finalists announced for SA Grain Industry Awards
An outstanding group of growers and industry innovators driving South Australia’s grain sector forward have been named as finalists for the 2025 South Australian Grain Industry Awards, announced today as early bird tickets go on sale.
The Awards, celebrating the industry’s exceptional leaders and recognising their efforts in 2025, will be held at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday 3 February 2026, between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Update.
Hosted by Grain Producers SA (GPSA), the gala evening will unveil the winners across six major award categories and feature the induction of new members into the South Australian Grain Industry Hall of Fame, recognising individuals who have made an enduring and influential contribution to the state’s grain sector.
GPSA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said this year’s nominations were outstanding, with the high number of entries making the judges’ task in narrowing down finalists extremely challenging.
“South Australian grain producers and industry professionals continue to raise the bar, and the volume and quality of nominations this year made shortlisting incredibly difficult,” Mr Perry said.
“The finalists announced today reflect the innovation and leadership that underpin our state’s grain industry now and into the future.
“Last year more than 300 people attended the inaugural gala dinner and awards night. This event is quickly becoming the South Australian grain industry’s night of nights, and we are expecting another strong turnout in 2026.”
Finalists across all categories will be in the running for cash prizes, with winners announced at the gala dinner.
2025 SA Grain Industry Awards Finalists:
Grain Producer of the Year
Ben Wundersitz (Yorke Peninsula); Tristan Baldock (Eyre Peninsula); Robin Schaefer (Riverland); Bruce Heddle (Eyre Peninsula)
Young Grain Producer of the Year
Dion Trezona (Eyre Peninsula); Sam and Tayla Przibilla (Mid North); Wade Nickolls (Mallee); Jeremy Lush (South East)
Women in Grain Award
Sharon Starick (Murraylands); Leanne Pridham (Yorke Peninsula); Tanja Morgan (Mallee); Ruth Sommerville (Mid North)
Industry Impact Award
Andy Barr (Adelaide Plains); Dr Kenton Porker; Tim and Cheryl Freak (South East); Michael Moodie
Innovation Award
Leighton Wilksch (Yorke Peninsula); Kym I’Anson (Mid North); Mark Schilling (Yorke Peninsula); Adam Hancock (South East)
Sustainability Award
Holly Crawford (Mid North); Grant Pontifex (Yorke Peninsula/Kangaroo Island); Bruce McLean (South East); Tracey Strugnell (South East)
Early bird tickets are now available and include entry to the event, three-course dinner, beverage package and entertainment.
Tickets and further details are available HERE.