The award recognises the outstanding contribution, dedication and commitment of individuals to the Australian grains industry. Professor Barr is one of only five people to receive a Seed of Gold since the award's inception in 2007.

Professor Barr was presented with the award at the annual GRDC Grains Research Update in Adelaide this week by GRDC Southern Panel Chair Andrew Russell.

The award recognises the well-known South Australian agricultural identity's long-term dedication to plant breeding and the broader development of the Australian grains industry.

During half a century as a plant breeder with the University of Adelaide, Professor Barr developed 24 varieties of oats, barley and wheat, including the well-known Echidna and Commander lines, which offered growers higher yielding and disease resistant options.

He has also operated his own farming business in Pinery in the Adelaide Plains region of South Australia, where he has grown a variety of cereal and pulse crops, as well as hosted research trials to support new variety development.

Russell said the highly regarded Seed of Gold award recognised those exceptional members of the scientific and agricultural community whose commitment and contribution produced fundamental gains for the Australian grains industry.

Now a consultant, Professor Barr works national and internationally supporting plant breeding, farm management and agribusiness activities and is a Trustee on the South Australian Grain industry Trust.

On accepting his award, Professor Barr said he was lucky to have been raised in a family that was deeply passionate about agriculture and academic excellence.

"I have been very fortunate to have spent a lifetime in agriculture - it's a fabulous industry and I recommend it to all of you," Professor Barr said.

Victorian agronomist Michael Moodie and extension and training consultant Jeanette Long this week also won GRDC Industry awards for the southern region.

Moodie was awarded the Seed of Light award, and Long received the Recognising and Rewarding Excellence award.

The GRDC is running a range of events and updates around the country in February. The list of events can be seen here: https://grdc.com.au/events/list