Introducing robots and smart tech earned an inspiring Queensland grower the 2025 Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year award
Vegetable grower Craig Dingle has been named the 2025 Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year, with judges impressed with his commitment to innovation and global best practice.
Changes made to his Queensland-based farm operation included spearheading on-farm innovations, such as technology that has boosted yields, improved shelf life and helped position his operation at the leading edge of horticultural advancement.
The 31-year-old was presented with the coveted honour at the Horticulture Awards for Excellence held in Brisbane as part of Hort Connections.
Craig is head of Agriculture at Kalfresh, one of the leading vertically integrated fresh produce businesses. He oversees 300 hectares of crops across the Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Southern Downs in Queensland.
Innovations included the introduction of cushioned bin-loading trailers and in-paddock graders for Kalfresh’s onion harvest, which reduced handling and touch points by up to 80%.
These additions significantly reduce bruising, and the equipment was also credited with ultimately improving paddock yield, eating quality and the shelf life of the crop.
“The keys to being a successful grower are commitment, determination and a desire for continual improvement,” Craig Dingle shared.
“This usually involves keeping up with the latest in technologies, travelling to see it in action, and then adapting it to suit our conditions.”
Raised on his family’s farm in Bundaberg QLD, Craig joined Kalfresh in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness and Applied Science (Agronomy) from the University of Queensland.
He has worked across multiple aspects of the farm business, stewarding major improvements such as laser levelling and water infrastructure projects.
“We’re currently keeping a keen eye on emerging weed control technologies to implement across organic and conventional farming systems, and we’ll continue innovating across the business to refine a farming system that is productive, profitable and sustainable,” Craig Dingle added.
Strong support for Horticulture
Each year, emerging leaders in horticulture are recognised at the gala event at Hort Connections that closes the curtain on the largest horticultural trade show in the country.
A dozen nominees were in the running for the Young Grower of the Year Award, and Corteva Agriscience Marketing Manager, Nick Koch, paid tribute to the strength of the field.
“Craig is an outstanding example of the next generation of growers who are embracing innovation and sustainability while delivering exceptional results on-farm,” Nick Koch said.
“From robotics to regenerative practices, this new wave of growers is responding to the challenges that shape what the future of farming looks like, and that is incredibly exciting for our industry and the communities it supports.
“We’re proud to support this award, which celebrates the passion and potential of young horticulturalists across Australia. This year’s nominees were truly impressive, not just in their technical skills but in their leadership, willingness to adapt, and commitment to the future of the industry,” Nick Koch concluded.
The Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year Award recognises an outstanding individual aged 35 or under who demonstrates a strong commitment to horticulture and to advancing the industry through innovation and leadership.
2025 Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year Award nominees
- Bryce Henderson – FreshGro Australia, Qld
- Oliver Rennie – Pacific Ag, NSW
- Craig Dingle – Kalfresh Vegetables, Qld
- Travis Georgopolous, GV Independent Packers, Vic
- Coby Badcock – Badcock Ag, Tas
- Salvatore Leonardi – Cherry Creek Estate, Qld
- Jack Cafcakis – Cafcakis Produce, SA
- Dr Chris Cannizarro – Macadamia Farm Management Pty Ltd, Qld
- Anthony De leso – Thorndon Park Produce, SA
- Ty Dickson – April Sun Farms Pty Ltd, Vic
- Paul Cafcakis – Cafcakis Produce, SA
- Dean Gazzola – Gazzola Farms, Vic
Learn more about each nominee on this link.
