SPAA stalwarts honoured for work | PHOTOS

While only three people had previously received life membership in the organisations 19-year history, two more were included in the ranks - Bute consultant Sam Trengove and Stockport farmer and former president Mark Branson.

Both nominations were received unanimously.

Mr Branson, who originally presented the award to Mr Trengove, said the award was designed to recognise individuals that have demonstrated commitment to SPAA and the industry across a number of years.

"(Mr Trengove) is an absolute innovator and a great pleasure to have in the industry," he said.

Mr Trengove spent about a decade on the SPAA committee - "giving 100 per cent" - as well as working on a number of related research projects and training programs, as well as working with the SA Grains Industry Trust and other industry bodies.

While the award was unexpected, Mr Trengove said he was thankful for his time with the organisation.

"I was hoping I perhaps wasn't old enough to get a life membership yet," he said.

"SPAA has formed a big part of my working career.

"Coming out of university, it was a group that was functioning in an exciting space, where there was innovation, and it still is an exciting space.

"I enjoyed my time on the committee and the friendships and relationships formed.

"The chance to travel across the state and meet a lot of very good farmers that are pushing the barrow is one of the best rewards."

Mr Branson was then announced by Robin Schaefer, who said he was a founder and first president of SPAA in 2002, as well as being an advocate for SPAA and precision agriculture.

A Nuffield scholar, who travelled internationally looking at precision agriculture and conservation agriculture, Mr Branson then put many of his new discoveries into practice.

"Mark has been a marvellous advocate for PA, groundtruthing equipment and hosting research trials, speaking at conferences and grower events, as well as inviting groups of students to his property to learn about the triple-bottom line benefits," Mr Schaefer said.

Mr Branson is retiring from the SPAA committee this year, after close to two decades but says there is a lot of room for the organisation to continue.

"There's always something new on the horizon," he said.

The theory about trying to do your best for your land is how it's going to continue on in the future.

"(SPAA) is certainly a great way to network and meet and pick the brains of likeminded farmers, researchers and agronomist from throughout Australia."

RELATED: SPAA members outstanding in their field

Also on the day's agenda was the chance to listen to farmers Wade Nickolls, Pinnaroo, and Joe Koch, Booleroo Centre, speak about how they use precision agriculture on their farms - in good years and bad, a look at the Riverland-Mallee mesonet, which is expected to be officially launched next month, and a look into phosphorus responses across paddocks.

Earlier in the day, there was also a chance for future farmers and agricultural workers to get insight into the industry with an education day including many of the same speakers aimed at students from Karoonda Area School and Renmark High School.

Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.