The Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) has celebrated the extraordinary contribution of the Hunt family at its 2025 Main Field Day on Wednesday 10 September, with Professor James Hunt receiving the prestigious Harm van Rees Award and his parents, Geoff and Bronwyn Hunt, awarded Life Memberships.
Together, these honours recognise more than three decades of commitment, innovation, and leadership by the Hunt family in advancing farmer-led research and strengthening agricultural communities across north-west Victoria.
James Hunt awarded the 2025 Harm van Rees Award
The Harm van Rees Award is reserved for individuals who have made a truly outstanding contribution to BCG and the farming community through clear, practical, and inspiring communication.
Professor James Hunt, now a leader in agricultural science at the University of Melbourne, has built a career dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practice. Early in his career at BCG, James played a pivotal role in the development and extension of Yield Prophet®, a decision-support tool that has transformed how growers assess risk and make cropping decisions. He also pioneered N Banking, a practical nitrogen management strategy now widely used across farming systems.
BCG Chair John Ferrier said James’s contribution embodies the spirit of the award.
“James has a unique ability to translate complex science into practical, real-world applications for farmers. His impact is felt not only through his research, but also in his teaching and his commitment to guiding the next generation of agronomists. He has stayed true to his roots, always keeping farmers at the centre of the conversation.”
James has also given back directly to BCG, serving on the Board and Research Committee, where his leadership has helped shape the organisation’s direction with both scientific rigour and on-farm relevance.
Geoff and Bronwyn Hunt awarded Life Memberships
Alongside James’s recognition, BCG was proud to honour his parents, Geoff and Bronwyn Hunt, with Life Memberships, the highest honour the organisation can bestow.
Life Membership is reserved for individuals whose service has been outstanding and enduring. For more than 30 years, Geoff and Bronwyn have exemplified these qualities, helping to lay the foundation for BCG’s success. Among their many achievements, they were:
- Founding members of the Normanville FM500 farming group and early farmer members of BCG.
- Founding members of the BCG Research Committee, embedding scientific discipline into farmer-driven research.
- Hosts of numerous BCG trials and visitors, generously opening their farm at Normanville to share knowledge and ideas.
- Active participants at BCG events, always ready to initiate and contribute to critical agronomic discussions.
- Representatives of BCG on the international stage at the Farming Design Conference in Lanzhou, China.
- Champions of farmer voices, with Geoff serving on the GRDC Southern Panel to ensure local priorities were represented.
BCG CEO Fiona Best said the Hunts’ contribution has left an enduring legacy.
“Geoff and Bronwyn have been pillars of BCG since its inception. Their generosity, insight, and leadership have strengthened this organisation and supported countless farmers to make better-informed decisions. Recognising them as Life Members is a fitting tribute to their extraordinary service.”
Though now retired from farming, Geoff and Bronwyn’s passion for agriculture and farmer-led innovation remains strong, and their influence continues to shape BCG today.
A family legacy
BCG’s recognition of James, Geoff, and Bronwyn at the 2025 Main Field Day highlights the intergenerational commitment of the Hunt family to farmer-led research and innovation.
“The Hunt family has given so much to BCG – from Geoff and Bronwyn’s leadership in our formative years, to James’s contribution as both a researcher and communicator,” John Ferrier said. “Together, they embody the values that have made BCG what it is today: curiosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving farming for all.”
