Perpetual Award
A lasting legacy of leadership and service to agriculture
Farmer, former researcher and consultant Matt Dare has been recognised with the 2026 Ag Excellence Perpetual Award for Outstanding Service, honouring more than three decades of contribution to Australian broadacre agriculture and 25 years of volunteer leadership with the Hart Field-Site Group.
Throughout his career, Matt has combined practical farming experience with research, extension and industry leadership, earning widespread respect for his commitment to ensuring growers have access to practical, independent information and research that delivers real on-farm outcomes. His volunteer contribution to Hart has been particularly significant, where he has served in numerous leadership roles including Chair, Vice Chair, Board Member, Commercial Crop Manager and Sponsorship Committee member.
Beyond governance, Matt has played an instrumental role in shaping Hart's strategic direction, strengthening industry partnerships and supporting research that addresses the priorities of South Australian growers. His influence has extended well beyond the organisation, contributing to collaborations across the Australian grains industry and helping ensure research findings are translated into practical solutions for farmers.
A passionate advocate for developing future leaders, Matt was actively involved in establishing Hart's internship program and championed the development of the Been Farming Long initiative, providing practical learning opportunities for early-career farmers. His willingness to mentor others and invest in the next generation has become one of the defining features of his contribution to the industry.
Matt is equally recognised for his hands-on approach to volunteering. Whether contributing machinery, hosting trials on his own property, assisting with events or providing practical advice behind the scenes, he has consistently given his time, expertise and resources to support growers and the wider agricultural community.
Presenting the award, Ag Excellence Alliance Vice Chair David Evans said Matt's contribution reflected the dedication of the volunteers who underpin South Australia's grower group network.
"For 25 years, Matt has generously contributed his time, knowledge and leadership to Hart and the broader agricultural community. His willingness to mentor others, support independent extension and champion grower-led research has left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit the industry for years to come."
As Hart's longest-serving current board member, Matt's leadership has helped strengthen one of South Australia's most respected grower groups while influencing countless farmers, researchers and industry professionals. His commitment to collaboration, innovation and supporting others embodies the spirit of the Ag Excellence Perpetual Award and leaves a legacy that will continue to shape Australian agriculture for generations to come.
Ag Excellence Perpetual Award State Register
for outstanding contribution to sustainable agriculture
Jeanette Long was recognised as the winner of the Ag Excellence Perpetual Award for Outstanding Service to Agriculture. Revered amongst her industry peers, Jeanette is highly regarded as a significant contributor to a myriad of agricultural organisations including the Australasian Pacific Extension Network, Ag Excellence and most recently Women together Learning (WoTL).
Kim Blenkiron, WoTL Executive Officer and nominator, said “Jeanette has impacted and positively influenced so many extension organisations and programs over her career that the flow-on-impact to the farming community cannot be overstated”.
As a highly sought after facilitator, Jeanette works throughout Australia and New Zealand with extension personnel and farmers. She also provides mentoring support to many young extension professionals, ensuring South Australia continues to have highly-skilled people within the agricultural research and extension space.
“It is an absolute honour to bestow this accolade on such a deserving winner. Ag Ex has been the recipient of Jeanette’s tireless efforts as Chair and committee member for many years and as shown again at today’s forum, she continues to give her time for the benefit of this room and the broader agricultural industry”, said Leet Wilksch, Ag Ex Chair.
