The award - announced at the Rice Connect conference in Barham on Thursday night - recognised their leadership in innovation, water efficiency and sustainable rice production.
The third-generation farming family, which also includes Chris’s parents Harry and Anne, operates a 1200ha irrigated enterprise in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.
Judges praised the business for its commitment to research, precision agriculture and continuous improvement.
A key factor in the award was the Morsheads’ role in advancing aerobic rice production systems, demonstrating significant improvements in water productivity while maintaining strong yields and profitability.
The farm achieved an average rice yield of 10.85 t/ha, with Matilda varieties averaging 12.78 t/ha, alongside a PaddyVision quality score of 9.5.
Independent lead judge Iva Quarisa described the business as being “at the absolute cutting edge of aerobic rice production”.
The couple said the award reflected the support of family, staff, advisers and researchers, and highlighted the industry’s strong culture of innovation and knowledge sharing.
As winners, the Morsheads will receive a $10,000 cash prize, professional development opportunities and nomination for the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards.
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