Elders’ Western Agronomists Recognised On National Stage
19 August 2026, AU: Working between Elders’ Geraldton and Northampton branches, Anne received the Emerging Agronomist Award, which recognises agronomists with up to five years’ experience who demonstrate strong technical capability, commitment to professional development, client focus and positive contributions to their team.
Just three years into her career, Anne now supports growers across a large part of Western Australia’s northern cropping region, stretching from north of Geraldton through to the edge of the cropping zone near Ajana.
For Anne, receiving the award came as a genuine surprise.
“It’s a huge honour. I was incredibly surprised and honoured to be selected,” Anne said.
“It’s been a bit of a journey, and I have to thank the people who have taught me so much.”
Anne credits mentors Peter Eliott-Lockhart, Belinda Eastough and Sarah Johnson, along with her colleague Lou Collins, for supporting her development throughout her career.
While Anne didn’t originally plan a career in agronomy, an interest in agriculture led her to switch from environmental science to agricultural technology at university before joining the Elders Agronomy Program.
The program provided experience in both Geraldton and Mudgee NSW, before Anne returned to Geraldton.
The Emerging Agronomist Award also recognised Anne’s contribution to research, trials, field days and the broader agronomy team.
One of Anne’s career highlights has been her involvement with the Yuna Farm Improvement Group on GRDC supported phosphate trials evaluating nutrient efficiency in freshly ameliorated and spaded soils. The research is exploring how growers can maximise crop outcomes following soil amelioration.
Anne also helped deliver Elders’ Western Region field trials tour in 2025 and regularly supports trials, demonstrations and client field walks.
Her professional development will continue this year after securing a GRDC scholarship to attend the 2026 TRAIL Emerging Leaders in the Grain Industry Program in Canberra.
For Anne, some of the most valuable learning comes through relationships built with growers, fellow agronomists and industry partners.
“It gets tough in agronomy sometimes. Climate doesn’t always make the chemicals work how you want them to work. Instead of running away from those situations, talk to the reps, talk to your colleagues.” she said.
That advice is particularly relevant this season after strong early rainfall across the Geraldton region helped establish crops build biomass, but reduced rainfall through winter means many growers and now closely monitoring crop moisture requirements.
“We got a really good start to the season and so the crops have built up, but we’ve lowered the water quite significantly since,” Anne said.
Anne said the combination of science, seasonal conditions and practical problem solving continues to make agronomy a rewarding career.
“It’s such a forward-facing, science-based career. We get to be out every day in the paddock, problem solving,” she said.
Anne’s award formed part of a broader recognition for Western Australian agronomy talent, with Ryan Auton and Andrew Harris also nominated for national awards.
Katanning based Ryan Auton, who has four years’ experience, was nominated alongside Anne for the Emerging Agronomist Award. Working across several branch locations, he has established himself as a reliable and adaptable agronomist with a practical approach to supporting growers and colleagues.
Despite being early in his career, Ryan has also taken on a mentoring role supporting a graduate agronomist. His nomination recognised his leadership, teamwork and willingness to take on responsibility beyond his role.
Andrew, who has six years’ experience, was nominated for the Rising Star Award, recognising agronomists with five to 10 years’ experience who demonstrate strong client outcomes, leadership potential, innovation and commercial impact.
Based in Narrogin and working across a broad agricultural region, Andrew has built strong grower relationships through his practical expertise and understanding of challenging farming environments. He also supports the development of graduate agronomists, sharing his expertise in oats, Agworld training and practical in-field skills.
The recognition of Anne, Ryan and Andrew highlights the depth of agronomic capability across Western Australia and the value of investing in the next generation of agronomy leaders.
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
