There’s been some fantastic achievements by growers across the country, as well as work undertaken by GrainGrowers on their behalf. Please enjoy my curated “Starter for 10” where I had to make the difficult decision of a few key highlights!
1.
Grain Producers South Australia Family Footy Day raising money for those affected by the drought. Amazing community initiatives and particularly loved seeing some of the little kids attending their first ever game.
2.
Filming a video on Stuart McDonald’s farm to raise awareness about the benefits of the low carbon liquid fuels industry for Australian grains. A few weeks later, government announced $1.1 billion in funding for this. Stuart, we may need to do some more videos on the farm in 2026!
3.
Our 2025 OnBoard cohort all successfully completed their Australian Institute of Company Directors qualification. Their voices in the boardrooms of the future will ensure agriculture is well represented.
4.
GrainGrowers’ alumni program, CULTIVATE, launched! A great way for program participants, ex-National Policy Group and Board to stay better connected with us.
5.
Government re-think of the proposed super tax. This back down puts an estimated $138 million back into Australian agriculture.
6.
Ongoing work of the Grain Sustainability Framework Council and Steering Group, culminating in the soon-to-be-released report that will be a great step forward for “Team Australia”.
7.
Seeing the creative and somewhat bonkers “Grains Industry Mascots”
developed by young growers and grains industry professionals at Innovation Generation 2025. Sally Silo and Harry Harvester will live on in my memory for a long time.
8.
Fortnightly Fertiliser update introduced for GrainGrowers e-news. Visitor numbers suggest this has been a useful inclusion so we will continue.
9.
Launch of Grain Freight pinch points report, highlighting areas where active investment will bring about the greatest returns.
10.
Seeing rain come to some parts of the country when and where it was needed most. Hope this is a highlight that carries over well and truly for 2026.
Thanks to all our growers for your support over the year. Hope the harvest is a safe and successful one – and we look forward to working hard on your behalf in the year ahead.
Shona Gawel, GrainGrowers CEO