Agricultural
12 March, 2026
Warwick plant pathologist wins major award
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.
Excellence in grains research and extension has been recognised at the 2026 Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Northern Panel awards held in Goondiwindi last week. Honours were given to a Queensland 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.
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 based 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.
In presenting the award, Mr Gearon said Dr Snyman was an outstanding researcher, with her expertise made even more impressive by her ability to translate complex grains pathology research into valuable insights for growers’ decision‑making.
Dr Snyman said she has worked with numerous past Seed of Light recipients and feels privileged to be named alongside such significant researchers.
“It is our job as researchers to make sure what we do has application at the farm gate and that the information gets to where it is needed. For me, that is critically important.”
Dr Snyman also spoke about the importance of supporting new generations of agronomists with vital disease identification and management skills.
The Emerging Leader - North award went to Alex Conway (Control Unlimited and GRDC Grain Storage Extension 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.
Mr Conway enjoys supporting growers and helping get practical information out to industry, talking them through new developments and technology.
“The workshops we provide are also a valuable opportunity to hear directly from growers.
“Their feedback helps inform development activities behind the scenes, ensuring the information we share remains relevant to the issues growers are experiencing.”
