View + 10 Photos Pictures by Paula Thompson/suppliedFarmers, researchers, industry leaders and innovators gathered at the Marion Hotel for the sold-out Ag Excellence Alliance Forum and Awards event. The theme of this year's event was Transforming Ag - Technology Shaping How We Grow, with topics such as artificial intelligence discussed. A major award presented at the event was the 2026 GRDC Grower Group Award, which went to Agritech Meetup SA for its Automated Weed Control demonstration at the Hart Field Day, delivered in partnership with the Hart Field Site Group. Other award winners included farmer, former researcher and consultant, Matt Dare, who received the 2026 Ag Excellence Perpetual Award for Outstanding Service for more than three decades of service to Australian broadacre agriculture, including 25 years of volunteer leadership with the Hart Field Site Group. He will undertake an international study tour investigating leading dairy production systems and nutrient recycling practices.