Agricultural
18 March, 2026
GRDC announces major northern awards
Excellence in grains research and extension has been recognised at the 2026 Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Northern Panel awards, with honours given to a Darling Downs based plant pathologist and a grain storage extension officer.
Dr Lisle Snyman, a Department of Primary Industries pathologist on the Southern Downs, received the organisation’s premier regional award, the Seed of Light – North, while the Emerging Leader - North award went to Alex Conway (Control Unlimited and GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team).
Northern Panel Chair Arthur Gearon announced the recipients at the GRDC Grains Research Update in Goondiwindi last week.
The Seed of Light recognises the outstanding contribution, dedication and commitment of individuals to communicating research outcomes to people working in the grains industry.
Dr Snyman is at the Hermitage Research Facility in Warwick, where her research focuses on foliar diseases in winter cereals, with emphasis on net form net blotch in barley.
She plays a key role in GRDC‑related research initiatives including three Net Blotch Consortium projects (leading Program 5 - Integrated management strategies for net form net blotch in low, medium and high‑rainfall zones), national net form net blotch pathotyping, and National Variety Trials (NVT) disease screening.
Her past work includes supporting projects such as CAIGE 2022-2026 and the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN).
Presenting the award, Mr Gearon said Dr Snyman was an outstanding researcher, her expertise made even more impressive by her ability to translate complex grains pathology research into valuable insights for growers’ decision‑making.
“Dr Snyman’s exceptional work is shown through numerous research project outcomes and is readily accessible to growers via platforms such as webinars, GRDC Update Papers and GroundCover,” he said.
“It was great to see this first‑hand during the Northern Panel Spring Tour visit to Hermitage Research Facility in 2025, where she walked us through the broad scope of work undertaken by her team.
The Emerging Leader award recognises professionals with fewer than 10 years’ experience who are contributing to the future of the grains industry and showing strong potential as leaders in their field.
In addition to his agricultural engineering role at Control Unlimited, Toowoomba‑based Alex Conway is a key member of the GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team.
He specialises in on‑farm grain storage best practices for growers in Queensland and northern New South Wales.
He has featured heavily in GRDC videos and podcasts on topics such as fumigating and venting grain bags, phosphine metres, monitoring grain temperature and more.
Mr Gearon said Alex’s practical experience in various agricultural sectors has helped shape his farmer-focused approach to extension.
“He has shared this expertise through extensive extension work, not only in videos and podcasts but also numerous workshops, GroundCover articles and Update Papers.
“He represents the next generation of leadership in grains extension, passionate about his work and committed to the growers he serves.”
