Agricultural consultant Cam Nicholson and research scientist Dr Audrey Delahunty each received awards this week from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to recognise their contributions to the grains industry.

Presented at the GRDC Grains Research Update in Bendigo, Mr Nicholson was awarded the 2025 GRDC Seed of Light – South and Dr Delahunty the 2025 GRDC Emerging Leader – South award.

The GRDC Seed of Light recognises the outstanding contribution, dedication and commitment of individuals to communicating research outcomes to people working in the grains industry.

Victorian grain grower and GRDC Southern Panel Chair Andrew Russell presented the awards, which are selected by the GRDC Southern Panel.

“Mr Nicholson is an outstanding agricultural consultant, working with and helping grain growers succeed in their farm businesses for more than 40 years,” said Mr Russell.

Agricultural consultant with Nicon Rural Services, Cam Nicholson has been awarded the 2025 GRDC Seed of Light – South award for his outstanding contribution to the grains industry. Photo: Lydia Nicholson

“As a national leader in extension, Mr Nicholson supports the uptake of new practices with growers that increase their profitability and productivity while managing risks.

“He is always at the forefront of learning – not just the most useful and relevant agronomic and business management knowledge – but also in developing expertise in behaviour change to best support practice change for growers.

“The GRDC Southern Panel is delighted to present this award to Mr Nicholson for his dedication to growers and commitment to better outcomes across the grains industry.”

Mr Nicholson has worked on acclaimed GRDC projects including Grain N Graze, the Stubble Initiative and the High Rainfall Zone Regional Cropping Solutions Network. He is expert in sustainability reporting, especially greenhouse gas emission calculations, and works closely with Southern Farming Systems and Marcus Oldham College.

In accepting the award, Mr Nicholson said he has loved every minute he has worked in the grains industry.

He acknowledged the innovation of GRDC and thanked the GRDC Southern Panel and attendees at the ceremony.

Also presented an award, the 2025 Emerging Leader – South, was Dr Audrey Delahunty, Agriculture Victoria.

Agriculture Victoria research scientist Dr Audrey Delahunty received the 2025 GRDC Emerging Leader – South award. Photo: Melissa Marino/GRDC

The Emerging Leader award recognises the commitment of a professional with less than 10 years’ experience working in the grains industry who has contributed to the future of the industry and is emerging as a leader in their field of endeavour.

“Dr Delahunty kicked off her career with the grains industry through a PhD researching genetic solutions for heat tolerance in lentils – such a relevant and valuable topic for growers,” said Mr Russell.

“Her focus on research of value to growers has continued and she has since extended her research into frost, quality, technology, and other pulses.

“Dr Delahunty is well known to GRDC, researchers and growers across the industry through her regular speaking slots as a speaker at Grains Research Updates and at crop walks across the Wimmera and Mallee.”

Agriculture Victoria research scientist Dr Audrey Delahunty has received the 2025 GRDC Emerging Leader – South award for demonstrating excellence as an up-and-coming researcher for the grains industry. Photo: Agriculture Victoria

“We love seeing enthusiasm, intelligence and hard work in the up-and-coming generation of researchers and are thrilled to present Dr Delahunty with this award.

“I look forward to the next steps in Dr Delahunty’s career journey and hope to see and learn more from her in the years to come.”

Dr Delahunty said it was a huge privilege and honour to receive the award, and thanked her team at Agriculture Victoria.

“I work with amazing people across the grains industry,” said Dr Delahunty.

“I’m really grateful for all the relationships I’ve made – all the people who have provided advice, mentorship and those that I work alongside everyday.

“This is such an incredible industry because there is always this willingness to exchange information.”

Read more about GRDC’s awards.