GrainGrowers has today announced the next cohort of the Australian Grain Leaders Program, a unique professional development opportunity for growers and industry participants exploring future leadership roles in the grains industry.
The 2026 Australian Grain Leaders Program (AGLP) participants are:
- Lachlan Day, Lockhart, NSW (Grower)
- Sam Donaldson, North Star, NSW (Grower)
- Amelia Gooding, Darkan, WA (Grower)
- Danielle Hamlyn, Freeling, SA (Grower / Industry)
- Andy Hunt, Lameroo, SA (Grower)
- Brad McLean, Mount Barker, WA (Grower)
- Julia Payne, Perth, WA (Industry)
- Lucy Powell, Julia Creek, QLD (Industry)
- Jess White, Maryborough, VIC (Industry)
- Thomas Winter, Moree, NSW (Grower)
The AGLP is a bespoke year-long program tailored to young growers aged 18-35 and designed to develop industry-wide capacity and skills.
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the program had built a strong alumni since its inception over 17 years ago.
“Since the program commenced, GrainGrowers has managed to successfully tap into the enthusiasm and passion of people who genuinely want to help shape the future of Australian grains.”
“Given how previous participants have brought back new skill sets to their farms, contributed to the industry, and in other areas of endeavour, I am always excited to see where our Australian grain leaders go with their individual development.”
To maximise impact, the course is highly customised and includes:
- Three face-to-face group workshops.
- Field visits.
- Coaching sessions.
- An individual leadership project.
- Training and integration with industry participants and events.
Program participants will also gain access to major industry events and join Cultivate, the newly established alumni network, to help drive an ongoing journey of leadership and collaboration beyond graduation.
Ms Gawel said building leadership capacity was a very worthwhile investment in the long-term growth of the wider industry.
“GrainGrowers mission is to empower Australian grain growers, and this program is an excellent example of that in action.” Ms Gawel said.
Background information on the new participants is included below.
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Images of the participants can be downloaded HERE
Biographies of the participants are available HERE