Two leaders in the Western Australian grains industry have received prestigious accolades for their exceptional contributions to research, development, and extension. The announcements were made during the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Western Region Panel Awards at the GRDC Grains Research Update held at Optus Stadium on March 13, 2026.
Dr Ron Yates, a senior scientist with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), was awarded the 2026 GRDC Seed of Light – West. Meanwhile, grain grower Callum Wesley has been named the 2026 GRDC Emerging Leader – West. These awards celebrate excellence in communicating research outcomes and fostering emerging leadership within Western Australia’s grains sector.
The Seed of Light award honors individuals who exemplify exceptional commitment to effectively communicating and extending GRDC-funded research. In contrast, the Emerging Leader award recognizes a professional or grower who is significantly shaping the future of the grains industry.
During the ceremony, Gary Lang, the GRDC Western Panel chairman, praised Dr Yates for his collaborative spirit and innovative contributions. “Two things stood out to the panel about Ron: innovation and mentoring,” Lang stated. His extensive work in pasture legumes and nitrogen fixation has led to the development of new legume varieties and improved application techniques, enabling crops to be sown before the first autumn rains. Lang further emphasized Dr Yates’ success in attracting and mentoring young researchers, underscoring his deserving status as the Seed of Light award recipient.
Dr Yates is affiliated with the Legume and Rhizobium Science research group at Murdoch University. He has played a pivotal role in advancing crop and pasture legumes while optimizing biological nitrogen fixation for Australian grain growers. His contributions extend to several GRDC-funded research programs, particularly those focused on the commercial release of rhizobia inoculant strains and legume cultivars. Recently, through partnerships with the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration and CSIRO, Dr Yates has supported the development of harvestable annual legume options and enhanced understanding of the benefits legumes provide in crop rotations.
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Dr Yates reflected on over 33 years of agricultural research. “This acknowledgment has prompted me to consider how fortunate I have been to choose a career I genuinely love,” he said. His extension efforts emphasize practical communication and strong relationships with growers. “Taking calls directly from growers and hosting interactive on-farm field days have proven to be the most effective ways to ensure research outcomes are relevant and widely adopted,” he added.
Lang noted that Dr Yates’ ability to connect rigorous scientific research with real-world farming practices has delivered lasting advantages for Western Australian grain growers. “His legacy will be carried forward by the well-trained and inspired young scientists he has mentored,” Lang remarked.
Callum Wesley received the 2026 GRDC Emerging Leader – West award for his advocacy of grower-led research and his efforts in advancing innovative cropping practices in low rainfall environments. Farming in Western Australia’s eastern wheatbelt, Wesley is currently a Nuffield Scholar and has been actively involved in various GRDC initiatives, including the Regional Cropping Solutions Network and the Soils Constraints West steering committee.
Wesley’s on-farm trials and collaboration with researchers have led to significant GRDC investments in both regional and national projects focused on long coleoptile wheat and deep sowing systems, addressing the challenges posed by shifting rainfall patterns. His work has also contributed to research on canola establishment in low rainfall regions, supporting demonstration trials and extension activities through local grower groups.
Reacting to his award, Wesley expressed surprise and gratitude. “Achieving above-average yields with below-average rainfall emphasizes the importance of research and inspires me to keep pushing the envelope,” he said. He highlighted the potential for improving water use efficiency in grain production, stating, “What excites me most is the opportunity to continue enhancing our water use efficiency with new technologies.”
Lang commended Wesley for exemplifying the role of growers in shaping research priorities and fostering innovation. “Callum’s commitment to addressing the challenges of the eastern Wheatbelt has been remarkable,” he noted. “His collaboration with leading researchers like Dr Greg Rebetzke from CSIRO has catalyzed groundbreaking research in long coleoptile wheat.”
The recipients of the 2026 western region panel awards were selected based on their demonstrated leadership, dedication to industry collaboration, and contributions to enhancing profitability for Australian grain growers. These awards underscore the vital role that individuals like Dr Yates and Mr Wesley play in driving forward the grains industry in Australia.
