More than 150 of Australia’s leading field crop breeders, researchers and industry representatives were in Melbourne at the start of March for the third annual ACB Breeders Week series of meetings and workshops.
Australian Crop Breeders CEO, Dr Narelle Moore said the program was designed to create opportunity for collaboration across all parts of the national breeding community.
“Breeders Week encompasses presentations and discussions on topics including field crop research, pathology and variety assessment that previously were held on separate schedules.
“It involves Australia’s leading researchers and scientists who are dedicated to maximising the return field crop varieties deliver to Australian farmers.
“In 2023, we took the opportunity to bring all these meetings together into a single event, allowing for greater collaboration and collective learning.
ACB represents public and private organisations that breed new varieties of wheat, barley, canola, pulses, oats and other grains for Australian farmers.
This year’s Breeders Week event was held at the Marriott Docklands from 3-6 March 2025, with attendees from across Australia as well as several international participants. It was delivered with the support of platinum sponsor GRDC.
“We need to take every opportunity to ensure we are leading the world in how we approach crop breeding as we continue to deliver high performing varieties for Australian growers.” Dr Moore elaborated.
“We also took the opportunity to provide ACB members with additional information on emerging technologies that are becoming available to the industry. Some of these help improve the way plants and grain can be analysed quickly and objectively using artificial intelligence.
“The rate of technological change and the benefits this can have for the Australian grains sector is significant, so it’s important we take opportunities to explore and understand what’s possible.”
Pictured: Prof Andy Barr and Denis McGrath
Two industry stalwarts officially recognised
In an ACB Breeders Week first, the prestigious 2024 Farrer Memorial Medal was presented during the official dinner on Tuesday 4 March.
Recipient Prof. Andy Barr was recognised for his contribution to field crop breeding over a career spanning more than 30 years. He has been instrumental in developing more than 25
wheat, barley and oat varieties and continues to be heavily involved across the Australian grains sector in various director and board roles.
In another first for the evening, an ACB Recognition Award was presented to Denis McGrath, for his leadership and service to the Australian grains industry. In particular, for his dedication and invaluable contribution to the success of the End Point Royalty system.
Dr Moore said the influence of both men on Australian cropping is profound.
“It was incredibly pleasing to celebrate the positive impact that both Andy and Denis have had on our industry, surrounded by their peers and colleagues.
“It was a great reminder of the contributions that these individuals have made to the betterment of Australian grains.
“It really brings home how important the hard work of our breeding organisations and individuals is for the future of the sector.”
About Australian Crop Breeders
Australian Crop Breeders (ACB) is the peak body representing public and private field crop breeding.
ACB provides leadership for the Australian crop breeding industry through collaboration and advocacy to ensure breeding efforts are maximised for the benefit of members and the broader agricultural community.
Members are actively involved in breeding wheat, barley, canola, oats, chickpeas, field peas, lentils and lupins. australiancropbreeders.com.au
About the Farrer Memorial Medal
Established in 1911 to perpetuate the memory of plant breeder William James Farrer, the Farrer Memorial Medal is awarded annually to a person with a distinguished career and contribution to agricultural science via research, education or administration.
For more information about the Medal and a copy of Prof. Andy Barr’s oration (when available), please visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/interacting_2/farrer-memorial-trust