YP grain farmers named finalists in industry awards
THREE Yorke Peninsula farmers have been named finalists in the 2025 South Australian Grain Industry Awards.
THREE Yorke Peninsula farmers have been named finalists in the 2025 South Australian Grain Industry Awards.
Arthurton’s Chris Moloney is a finalist for Young Grain Producer of the Year, while Bute’s Sam Trengove and Maitland’s Sam Johns have both been shortlisted for the Innovation Award.
An initiative of Grain Producers SA, the awards celebrate leadership and innovation across South Australia’s grain sector.
The six categories also include Grain Producer of the Year, Sustainability Award, Women in Grain Award, and Industry Impact Award.
In a series of responses to GPSA, Mr Moloney said being nominated was an honour.
“No one sets out for award nominations when advocating for their community or industry,” he said.
“But it’s nice to reflect and highlight people in our industry pushing boundaries and making change, and further encouraging those individuals as that’s where mindset shifts and progress is made.”
Mr Moloney has shown leadership in addressing infrastructure issues, particularly the hazardous state of Upper Yorke Road.
He even took government officials on a ride in his grain truck to demonstrate the road’s condition.
He is also a graduate of the Grains Social Leadership Program and was involved in GPSA’s Worst Grain Roads campaign.
His advice to the next generation of producers?
“Be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
“Building strong networks and finding a couple of solid mentors who are currently doing what you’re trying to achieve is the key.”
Innovation Award finalist Sam Trengove said the recognition was humbling.
“There are many talented people in our industry.
“To know that the work we’ve been involved with is valued and appreciated is a great acknowledgement.”
As principal of Trengove Con-sulting, he has focused on addressing soil constraints and developing a method to predict crop response to phosphorus fertiliser using soil pH and satellite data.
He’s also led collaborative research funded by GRDC and SAGIT.
Mr Johns said it was an honour to be shortlisted.
“I don’t see myself as particularly innovative — rather a ready adopter of new technology and techniques, but not just for the sake of it,” he said.
“Anything we adopt must deliver tangible benefits, whether that’s financial returns, reduced costs or fatigue, or simply making work more efficient.”
Mr Johns is an early adopter of precision agriculture and technologies such as the Seed Terminator, which have improved both efficiency and environmental sustainability on his farm.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Adelaide Oval on February 3.
Last year’s inaugural awards drew more than 300 industry members to celebrate those making a difference in grain production.
