Kate, Chris, James and Chloe Morshead on their Yenda farm. Photo: Supplied.
Yenda farmers Chris and Kate Morshead have been named the CY26 SunRice Grower of the Year at the 2026 Rice Industry Awards.
The Morsheads, of Amberley Pastoral Co, were recognised for their work in improving water efficiency, productivity and innovation in rice production.
The third-generation growers run the 1200-hectare irrigated farming enterprise in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area with Chris’s parents, Harry and Anne, who remain actively involved in the business.
A key factor in the award was the Morsheads’ work in developing and adopting aerobic rice production systems.
In CY26, Amberley Pastoral Co moved its entire rice program to aerobic production.
The business recorded an average rice yield of 10.85 tonnes per hectare, including Matilda crops averaging 12.78 tonnes per hectare.
It also recorded a PaddyVision Quality Score of 9.5.
Chris Morshead said the award recognised the contribution of people involved in the business.
“No farming business succeeds in isolation. We’ve benefited from the support of family, staff, advisers, researchers and fellow growers throughout our journey, and this award reflects those collective efforts,” he said.
“The Australian rice industry has a strong culture of innovation and knowledge sharing. We’ve always believed in being willing to try new things, learn from others and contribute wherever we can, and we’re proud to be part of an industry that continues to evolve and improve.”
The recognition comes as the Riverina rice industry faces a difficult period, with reduced water availability and dry conditions contributing to lower production and job losses across the sector.
SunRice Group CEO Paul Serra said the Morsheads were deserving recipients.
“Their work with aerobic rice production demonstrates the value of growers who are prepared to test new systems, apply research in a commercial setting and share what they learn with the broader industry,” he said.
“This award is also an opportunity to recognise the important contribution Australian rice growers make to our industry. The expertise, professionalism and commitment demonstrated by growers like Chris and Kate continue to strengthen the reputation of Australian rice both here and around the world.”
Independent lead judge and CEO of the Irrigation Research and Extension Committee (IREC), Iva Quarisa, said the judging panel was impressed by the business’s performance and approach.
“Chris and Kate run a highly efficient farm business with a keen eye on input management. They are at the absolute cutting edge of aerobic rice production and are very deserving winners,” Ms Quarisa said.
The judges also highlighted the couple’s involvement in research and development, precision agriculture and evidence-based decision-making.
Amberley Pastoral Co regularly hosts on-farm trials, variety demonstrations and irrigation research projects, allowing researchers, advisers and growers to test technologies and production systems under commercial conditions.
Kate Morshead said the business had focused on balancing commercial outcomes with long-term resilience.
“Every decision we make is about ensuring the farm remains productive, profitable and resilient for future generations,” Mrs Morshead said.
“Innovation only matters if it delivers practical benefits, and we’re proud of what we’ve been able to achieve by combining research, technology and careful business planning.”
As SunRice Growers of the Year, Chris and Kate will receive a $10,000 cash prize, along with development and training opportunities, and will be nominated for the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards.
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
