14 August 2026

Australia's leading rice growers, researchers and industry partners gathered in Barham on Thursday evening to celebrate excellence across the sector at the 2026 Rice Industry Awards, presented as part of Rice Connect 2026.

Now in their eighth year, the awards recognise outstanding achievement in rice production, innovation, irrigation management and water use efficiency, highlighting the commitment of growers to building a productive and sustainable future for the Australian rice industry.

SunRice Grower of the Year Award

The CY26 SunRice Grower of the Year Award was presented to Chris and Kate Morshead of Amberley Pastoral Co near Yenda, recognising their innovation, commitment to sustainable rice production and leadership within the Australian rice industry.

SunRice Group Chair John Bradford said Australian rice growers continue to demonstrate leadership and innovation in the face of changing conditions.

"Australian rice growers consistently show an ability to adapt, embrace new ideas and respond to changing conditions. Chris and Kate's achievements are a great example of the capability that exists across our grower community, and the positive role growers play in helping advance Australian rice production," Mr Bradford said.

Amberley Pastoral Co is a diversified 1,200-hectare irrigated farming enterprise built on continuous improvement, long-term planning and a willingness to embrace change. In CY26, Chris and Kate transitioned their entire rice program to aerobic production, demonstrating the potential to improve water productivity while maintaining strong yields and profitability.

For third-generation growers Chris and Kate, and Chris's parents Harry and Anne, who remain actively involved in the business, the award reflects a shared commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and sustainable rice production.

The Morshead's were recognised for their consistent on-farm performance, strategic approach to business management and strong commitment to innovation. Judges highlighted the couple's disciplined agronomic practices, adoption of precision agriculture, and support for on-farm trials, variety demonstrations and irrigation research projects.

Independent lead judge and IREC CEO Iva Quarisa said the Morshead's were leading the way in modern irrigated agriculture.

"Chris and Kate run a highly efficient farm business with a keen eye on input management. They are at the forefront of aerobic rice production and very deserving winners," Ms Quarisa said.

Judges also recognised the couple's collaborative approach, their willingness to work closely with advisers, researchers and industry partners, and their broader contribution to industry research, extension and grower engagement.

The SunRice Grower of the Year Award is assessed through an on-farm judging process that evaluates nominees across key areas including production and agronomy, water-use efficiency, innovation and technology, business management, sustainability, workplace health and safety, and industry and community involvement.

The winner receives a $10,000 award, along with a range of professional development opportunities.

Highest Yield & Special mentions:

Presented by Wayne Murphy, Head of Trade and Supply Chain for Port of Melbourne were the Port of Melbourne Highest Yield Awards.

Two growers were also recognised for exceptional on-farm performance, with awards presented for the highest rice yield overall and for outstanding contribution to the industry through the Acknowledgement Award.

The CY26 Highest Grain Yield Overall was awarded to the Andrew and Leanne Cameron of Kiloran Farming Pty Ltd, yielding 15.4T/ha on 42ha.This was 3.15T or 26% above regional average.

The Organic Crop Acknowledgement Award was received by Bill and Liz Barnhill of WR & EC Barnhill, yielding 10.3T/ha on 32ha.

The Yenda Producers Specialist Grain Yield Awards recognised the highest-performing rice crops across each variety category, with awards presented to:

The Topaz Highest Grain Yield was awarded to the Cauduro Family of Carlisle Park, yielding 11.06T/ha on 31ha. This was 1.19T or 12% above variety average.

The Langi Highest Grain Yield was awarded to the Badoco Family of J & G Badoco Family Trust, yielding 12.59T/ha on 110ha. This was 2.12T or 20% above variety average.

The Koshihikari Highest Grain Yield was awarded to Kevin & Mary Warren of KJ & MT Warren, yielding 10.10T/ha on 74ha. This was 1.52T or 18% above variety average.

Receiving the Grower Contribution to Industry Award, which recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian rice industry beyond their own farming enterprise, was Laurie Arthur from the Western Murray Valley.

A highly respected grower, industry leader and advocate, Mr Arthur has dedicated more than three decades of service to advancing the Australian rice industry. His contribution has spanned leadership roles within the Ricegrowers' Association of Australia, including as RGA President, as well as influential positions across national water policy, agricultural advocacy and industry governance. He has represented rice growers at local, state, national and international levels, helping shape policy, strengthen industry organisations and champion the interests of irrigation communities.

Mr Arthur also played a pivotal role in the growth and success of SunRice, serving as a Director and later Chairman of the Board for more than a decade, helping guide the grower-owned company through a period of significant expansion and international growth. His unwavering commitment, strategic leadership and lifelong dedication to the prosperity of rice growers have left an enduring legacy across the Australian rice industry, making him a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

"Few people have contributed to the Australian rice industry across so many levels, and for so long as Laurie Arthur," Mr Bradford said.

"From local branch leadership and industry governance through to national water policy, agricultural advocacy and his stewardship of SunRice, Laurie has consistently put the interests of growers and regional communities first. His willingness to step forward, take on leadership roles and dedicate countless hours to serving the industry has helped shape the success and resilience of Australian rice for generations."

"Laurie's contribution extends far beyond any one position or organisation. His legacy can be seen in the strength of the institutions he helped build, the growers he represented and the future opportunities he has helped create for the entire industry. He is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Grower Contribution to Industry Award."

The Ricegrowers' Association of Australia Honorary Councillor Award was presented to Graeme Kruger in recognition of his significant and longstanding service to the Australian rice industry and his outstanding contribution to the Ricegrowers' Association of Australia.

During more than a decade as Executive Director of the RGA, Graeme led the organisation through a period of significant transformation and growth, overseeing constitutional reforms, a major rebrand, strategic reviews and the strengthening of the Association's governance and advocacy capabilities. He also played a key role in industry initiatives, including research and development planning and the establishment of Rice Breeding Australia.

Under his leadership, the RGA strengthened its position as a respected and influential voice for rice growers and was recognised as Small Association of the Year in 2022. His dedication to growers, commitment to industry progress and collaborative work with partners across the rice sector have left a lasting legacy for the Association and the broader Australian rice industry.

In recognition of his outstanding service and enduring contribution, the RGA is proud to award Graeme Kruger Honorary Councillor status.

"Appointment as an Honorary Councillor is a special recognition reserved for individuals whose dedication, wisdom and leadership have left a lasting mark on the Ricegrowers' Association and the Australian rice industry. It is a fitting acknowledgement of their commitment and legacy," Mr Herrmann said.

"We sincerely thank our 2026 Rice Industry Awards sponsors, the SunRice Group, Port of Melbourne, Yenda Producers Co-operative, and Jamie's Fine Dressings, for their ongoing support and commitment to recognising the outstanding contributions of Australian rice growers and strengthening our industry."

Images for use accessible via the link below

2026 Rice Industry Awards

ENDS



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Media Contact:

Dale Arthur

Communications Manager

Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia

p: 0488 071 165

e: darthur@rga.org.au