Punthari grower recognised with Women in Grain award
A primary producer and agricultural scientist has been honoured at the 2026 South Australian Grain Industry Awards.
Punthari grower and agricultural scientist Sharon Starick was already known for her leadership within the farming sector, but now Grain Producers SA has made it official.
Ms Starick was named the winner of a Women in Grain award at the South Australian Grain Industry Awards last Tuesday night.
GPSA CEO Brad Perry said the award recognised her extensive experience, her commitment to giving back to the industry and her leadership, both on and off the farm, during a challenging season.
As well as growing grain and producing pork at Kongolia Farms, near Mannum, Ms Starick is the chair of the national Grains Research and Development Corporation, a federal agency tasked with making the nation’s grain industry more productive, profitable and sustainable.
She has previously chaired Animal Health Australia, the SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board and the SA Future Drought Fund advisory group.
Geranium hay and grain producer Tanja Morgan finished as a finalist in the same category.
“The winners announced (last Tuesday) night are a strong reflection of the broader grain industry: professional, forward-looking and prepared to invest in the future, even through challenging seasons,” Mr Perry said.
“While there can only be one winner in each category, the quality of finalists means every one of them could have been worthy recipients.”
The award ceremony at Adelaide Oval was opened by Premier Peter Malinauskas and attended by 430 people.
