The 2026 SALRC excellence award winners from left, Dr Dominique Van der Saag, Dr Richard Hayes, Dr John Webb-Ware and David de Pury.

THE Southern Australia Livestock Research Council ‘s 2026 excellence award winners were recognised for their work in production, research and communication at the SALRC Livestock 2026 conference dinner at Wagga Wagga last month.

SALRC chair Dr Sue Hatcher said the awards recognise five people whose work is making a real difference to southern Australian livestock production systems.

“Whether through research, extension, or leadership on-farm, the 2026 award recipients have each helped strengthen the link between science and practice.

“Progress comes from people who are prepared to ask questions, challenge conventional thinking, share knowledge and work collaboratively to create positive change,” she said.

“This year’s winners exemplify those qualities, and SALRC is delighted to celebrate their achievements.”

Mixed farmer awarded for leadership and mentor qualities

Victorian mixed farmer David de Pury was presented with the producer award.

SALRC said David de Pury operates Yeringberg, a 700 hectare family farming business in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, producing beef, sheep meat, wool and wine grapes. With a scientific and curious approach, he has a long history of participating in research and applying evidence-based innovation to improve livestock productivity and environmental management, the council said.

Mr de Pury was also recognised as an active industry leader and mentor. Through SALRC’s Central Victorian Regional committee, the Grassland Society of Southern Australia and the Yarra Valley Better Beef group, he encourages producers to use research in their decision-making. He regularly hosts trials, farm visits and student groups, generously sharing his experience with farmers, researchers and the next generation.

Mr de Pury said the SALRC Producer Award for Excellence is a very welcome acknowledgement of the on-farm research advocacy work that I have carried out over the past 30 years, sharing my success and failures with both local and visiting farmers groups.

“I have been committed to this process because research provides answers to many farm production issues as well as clarity in helping decide which innovations are worthy of adoption.”

Joint winners of scientist/researcher award

The joint winners of the SALRC scientist/researcher award were senior New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development research scientist Dr Richard Hayes and University of Melbourne senior lecturer Dr John Webb-Ware.

SALRC said Dr Richard Hayes has built an outstanding scientific reputation during 25 years with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. His rigorous, collaborative research addresses the needs of grazing and mixed farming systems across south-eastern Australia, the council said.

Dr Hayes’ body of work includes 80 scientific journal articles, 105 peer-reviewed conference papers and a book chapter. His leadership of major projects spans pasture species, perennial grains and acid-soil management has helped translate research into practical gains for livestock producers.

Dr Hayes has shared his expertise at nearly 200 field days, farm walks and industry events, helping producers and advisers apply findings to improve productivity and manage complex farming challenges. SALRC said. The council said his inclusive leadership, advocacy for the future of Australian pasture systems, and active mentoring of junior scientists, technical staff and postgraduate candidates demonstrate an enduring commitment to scientific excellence and the next generation of agricultural researchers.

Dr Hayes said the list of products and services that producers can now buy is endless.

“Independent research is essential to assist producers sort the wheat from the chaff and maintain an evidence-based production system.

“I am grateful to SALRC for their recognition of my research.”

SALRC said Dr John Webb-Ware is recognised as one of southern Australia’s leading production animal scientists. His research has delivered practical benefits across beef and sheep production, grazing management, animal health and welfare, enterprise profitability, and farm resilience—combining scientific rigour with a strong understanding of commercial farming systems, the council said.

SALRC said a defining feature of Dr Webb-Ware’s career has been his commitment to turning research into action. Through decision-support tools, producer workshops, practical resources, veterinary education and mentoring, he has helped producers adopt evidence-based practices while strengthening the next generation of livestock professionals, the council said. His collaborative approach has made a lasting contribution to the capability, productivity and resilience of southern Australia’s livestock sector, SALRC said.

Dr Webb-Ware said the award is in part recognition of many years of dedication by not only myself but many staff at the Mackinnon Project over many years to provide answers, develop new systems and improve the profitability of livestock producers in southern Australia.

BestWool/BestLamb program leader recognised

Lyndon Kubeil and his mate Max promoting the BestWool/BestLamb conference this year.

The 2026 SALRC communication/extension award went to Bestwool/Bestlamb program manager Lyndon Kubeil in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to Victoria’s sheep industry, particularly through BWBL, Australia’s longest-running sheep industry extension program.

SALRC said Mr Kubeil’s Involvement in the BWBL program since 1996, including 15 years as project manager, has helped build an enduring network connecting producers, advisers and researchers, while securing support and adapting delivery to changing industry needs.

His advocacy for producer-led, peer-to-peer learning, private-sector partnerships and flexible online engagement during COVID-19 strengthened BWBL’s reach and relevance, SALRC said.

SALRC said Mr Kubeil’s leadership has translated research into practical change on farms, supporting improved productivity, profitability, biosecurity and resilience. BWBL now engages about 4500 members, with evaluations reporting high satisfaction and practice change among 98 percent of group members.

SALRC said Mr Kubeil is a respected wool producer and industry leader and has generously mentored producers, facilitators and colleagues, contributed to producer demonstrations and sheep-industry standards, and helped ensure that southern producers’ priorities inform future research and development investment.

Mr Kubeil said he is really proud to win the award.

“I have worked in extension roles for 33 years, supporting sheep producers to adopt new management practices and improve their farming businesses.

“I believe extension services play a vital role in creating an environment that helps producers understand and implement research and development outcomes in their unique farming systems, so they can remain productive and profitable amid ever-increasing challenges.”

Pain mitigation and welfare researcher recognised

The SALRC Young Achiever award went to emerging livestock welfare science leader, University of Sydney lecturer in animal welfare science and animal behaviour, Dr Dominique Van der Saag.

SALRC said her research on pain mitigation and improved welfare outcomes from husbandry procedures delivers practical benefits for Australia’s sheep and cattle industries. She has led major industry-funded research, including a $1.08 million Meat & Livestock Australia Donor Company project, and has built a strong reputation through research, industry engagement and national advisory roles, the council said.

SALRC said Dr Van der Saag is also a dedicated mentor who supports students and early-career researchers to develop industry experience and professional networks, and whose leadership, scientific excellence and commitment to translating research into practice exemplify the qualities recognised by the award.

Dr Van der Saag said receiving the award is incredibly rewarding and particularly meaningful at this stage of her career.

“It reinforces the importance of industry-connected research and encourages me to continue working with producers and industry partners to develop practical solutions that improve animal welfare while supporting Australian livestock industries.”

Source – SALRC.