In a groundbreaking recognition of his exceptional contributions, Dr. Rick Llewellyn, a distinguished scientist at CSIRO, has been honored with the 2026 Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Seed of Light – South award. This prestigious accolade acknowledges his remarkable efforts in disseminating research findings to grain growers and the broader grains industry. The GRDC's Seed of Light award is a testament to his profound impact on the field, as he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application for farmers.
The ceremony, held at the GRDC Grains Research Update in Adelaide, was a moment of celebration. GRDC Southern Panel Chair and Victorian grain grower Andrew Russell presented the award to Dr. Llewellyn, praising his exceptional communication skills and deep understanding of agricultural research. Mr. Russell emphasized that Dr. Llewellyn's ability to convey complex scientific concepts to growers without compromising their clarity is a rare talent in the field.
Dr. Llewellyn's dedication to fostering strong relationships with growers is evident in his numerous achievements. His work has significantly contributed to the development of extension expertise and the dissemination of research findings, ensuring that growers have access to the latest advancements in agricultural science. The impact of his efforts is far-reaching, as his name has become synonymous with agricultural research excellence in the southern region.
As a Senior Principal Research Scientist (Agricultural Systems) at CSIRO, Dr. Llewellyn's research encompasses a wide range of topics, including farming systems, weed and herbicide resistance management, technology adoption strategies, and agricultural economics. His groundbreaking work on cropping and mixed farming has empowered grain growers to enhance their farming systems, making him a revered figure in the industry.
One of Dr. Llewellyn's notable contributions is his leadership in the development and implementation of the ADOPT model, a web-based tool designed to assist researchers in understanding, evaluating, and predicting the adoption and spread of agricultural innovations. This tool has played a pivotal role in boosting the uptake of innovations by grain growers, revolutionizing the way researchers approach extension planning.
Additionally, Dr. Llewellyn co-leads the GRDC's national risk management initiative, RiskWi$e, alongside Dr. Lindsay Bell. His coordination of a diverse network of partners across Australia has been instrumental in this project. RiskWi$e employs a participatory action research approach to enhance risk and return outcomes for Australian grain growers by promoting better on-farm decision-making.
Dr. Llewellyn's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Adelaide. Prior to his PhD in agricultural economics at the University of Western Australia, he worked as a Landcare Officer in Cummins, South Australia, where he supported the Focus Fields program, a grower-driven initiative that facilitated the direct delivery of cutting-edge research to growers.
His commitment to the industry extends beyond his research, as he actively serves on various boards and committees. He has been a scientific advisor on the Board of Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc., a member of the GRDC Regional Cropping Solutions Network (2012-2016), and a member of the GRDC Grains Weeds Advisory Committee (2016-current). He has also contributed to the Department of Agriculture Smart Farms Advisory Panel (2018-2020) and the Editorial Advisory Board for Agricultural Systems (2020-current).
Furthermore, Dr. Llewellyn's expertise has been sought after in international projects, as he has worked on research initiatives in the Philippines, Thailand, and India, supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. His global impact is a testament to his dedication to advancing agricultural practices worldwide.
The GRDC award recipients for the southern region are carefully selected by the GRDC Southern Panel, ensuring that the recognition goes to those who have made the most significant contributions to the grains industry. Dr. Rick Llewellyn's award is a well-deserved honor, solidifying his status as a leading figure in agricultural research and extension.
