Cereal pathologist Dr Steven Simpfendorfer has been awarded the 2025 Brownhill Cup at the annual AgQuip Grower Forum held today.
At this morning's event, hosted by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and NSW Farmers, the Tamworth-based DPIRD senior research scientist was recognised for his work in disease surveillance, diagnostics and integrated management strategies of cereal diseases throughout New South Wales.
Each year the Brownhill Cup celebrates the people who contribute to NSW primary industries by developing and supporting new and innovative ways to enhance farming practices and ensure sustainable long-term productivity.
Presenting the trophy Mr Gordon Brownhill said, "I'm honoured to award Dr Simpfendorfer for his work which has greatly contributed to the improved biosecurity, sustainable crop productivity and profitability in the grains industry.
"His leadership, dedication, and measurable impact make him an ideal recipient of the Brownhill Cup."
NSW DPIRD Director of Northern Cropping Systems, Dr Guy McMullen, said Dr Simpfendorfer is one of Australia's most experienced and respected cereal pathologists, especially for his work in tackling Fusarium crown rot (FCR).
"Dr Simpfendorfer's applied research has delivered millions of dollars in value to NSW and Australian grain growers," Dr McMullen said.
"Known for his reliability, integrity, and collaborative spirit, Steven consistently delivers high-quality research that influences practice change in the grains industry.
"Growers and agronomists actively seek his advice and he is regularly consulted across state lines due to his deep expertise and practical insights.
"Steven's research, and the communication of this research, has not only advanced disease control but also ensured timely, relevant, and profitable outcomes for growers across NSW and beyond."
In 2023, Dr Simpfendorfer's team research on diagnosing Fusarium head blight in infected seed lots enabled timely decisions that saved growers millions of dollars in potential yield loss.
He currently leads or contributes significantly to five major research projects and is a key figure in broader initiatives such as disease diagnostics and surveillance, farming systems research, and fungicide resistance.
Working with a multidisciplinary research team and overseeing complex field and lab programs, Dr Simpfendorfer has also supervised PhD candidates to support the training of the next generation of plant pathologists and researchers.
Dr Simpfendorfer is known for his commitment to rapidly deliver research outcomes to growers and industry, and regularly presents at industry forums, updates and webinars.
The Brownhill Cup trophy was donated by the Brownhill family of 'Merrilong', Spring Ridge, as a perpetual award to encourage landholders to adopt conservation farming and efficient management practices.
The competition began in 1983 as the Livestock and Grain Producers' Association Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year held between Quirindi, Currabubula/Werris Creek, Pottinger, Gunnedah and Boggabri district councils.
The competition attracts wide community interest and is well supported by landowners and the agricultural industry, with the recipient selected by a local committee.
