Chris and Kate Morshead of Amberley Pastoral Co near Yenda have been named the CY26 SunRice Grower of the Year, recognised for their leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing Australian rice production. As third-generation growers operating a diversified 1,200-hectare irrigated farming enterprise in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, Chris and Kate have built a reputation for challenging conventional thinking and adopting practical innovations that improve productivity, water efficiency and long-term farm resilience. The business is truly a family operation, with Chris' parents, Harry and Anne Morshead, remaining actively involved and continuing to contribute their experience and expertise to its ongoing success.

A key achievement behind their award-winning year was the full transition of their rice program to aerobic rice production. By embracing this emerging production system at a commercial scale, Amberley Pastoral Co demonstrated significant improvements in water productivity while maintaining strong yields, grain quality and profitability. Beyond their own business, the Morshead’s are widely recognised for their commitment to research, collaboration and industry knowledge-sharing, regularly hosting on-farm trials and working closely with researchers, advisers and fellow growers to help shape the future of Australian rice farming. Judges also highlighted the family's collaborative approach, strong business management and willingness to share insights that help drive progress across the broader industry.

Their approach reflects a balance of innovation and practicality, with a focus on ensuring the farm remains productive, profitable and resilient for future generations. Through continuous improvement, evidence-based decision-making and a commitment to supporting industry-wide advancement, Chris and Kate, together with Harry and Anne, exemplify the qualities recognised by the SunRice Grower of the Year Award.

Watch the CY26 GOTY video below: