Applications open for the 2026 Ag Excellence Forum & Awards
Applications are now officially open for the 2026 Ag Excellence Forum Awards, celebrating the people, projects and grower groups driving innovation, collaboration and leadership across South Australia’s agricultural industry.
To be presented at the 2026 Ag Excellence Forum & Awards Gala Dinner on 3 August at the Marion Hotel, the awards recognise outstanding contributions to the grower group network and the broader grains and agricultural sector.
Ag Excellence Chair Leet Wilksch highlighted the important role the awards continue to play in recognising the impact grower groups and industry leaders have across the state.
South Australia’s grower group network continues to lead the way in bringing research, innovation and practical on-farm outcomes directly to farming communities, Leet Wilksch said.These awards are an opportunity to recognise not only the projects and initiatives making a difference on the ground, but also the individuals whose leadership, dedication and willingness to support others continue to strengthen our industry.
GRDC Grower Group Award
This year, the prestigious Grower Group Award enters an exciting new chapter, with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) announced as the official Award Sponsor.
Through GRDC’s support, the award prize has been elevated to $10,000, providing increased recognition and investment into the future goals and initiatives of South Australian grower groups.
The 2026 Forum theme, Transforming Ag | Technology Shaping How We Grow, reflects the evolving role of technology, innovation and knowledge sharing in modern farming systems and regional communities.
The 2026 GRDC Grower Group Award invites applications from grower groups that can demonstrate positive outcomes for members and regional communities through innovation, extension, collaboration and industry leadership.
Applications are encouraged from groups of all sizes and interests, with entrants invited to highlight how their activities align with this year’s Forum theme.
Ag Excellence Perpetual Award
The Ag Excellence Perpetual Award for Outstanding Service will also once again recognise an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to sustainable agriculture and South Australia’s grower group network.
The award celebrates those who have dedicated their time, leadership and expertise to helping grower groups thrive — whether through research, extension, industry representation, community leadership or supporting collaboration and innovation across regional agriculture.
Nominees may include farmers, consultants, researchers, advisers, industry representatives or community leaders who have had a meaningful impact on growers and agricultural communities.
Additional awards to be presented on the evening include the Jim McColl AIA Young Consultant Award and the Ag Bureau’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship, further recognising emerging leaders and individuals contributing to the future of South Australian agriculture.
Award winners will be announced during the 2026 Ag Excellence Forum & Awards Gala Dinner, bringing together grower groups, industry, government, researchers and stakeholders from across South Australia.
APPLICATIONS FOR BOTH AWARDS CLOSE THURSDAY, 23 JULY 2026
For more information or to apply:
• GRDC Grower Group Award: https://agex.org.au/groups/awards/
• Ag Excellence Perpetual Award for Outstanding Service: https://agex.org.au/groups/perpetual-award/