Jeff Russell, who served as the Western Australia Grains Biosecurity Officer from 2010 to 2025, with Barry Large, Chair of Grain Producers Australia (GPA)
The Western Australian (WA) grains industry has lost one of its most dedicated and influential advocates with the passing of Jeff Russell. As the WA Grains Biosecurity Officer (GBO) from 2010 to 2025, Jeff’s career was marked by technical excellence, practical engagement and a deep commitment to the resilience of WA’s grains sector.
Jeff understood that biosecurity is not just a technical discipline but a shared responsibility. This mindset guided his work with growers, advisers, researchers and communities across the state. He worked tirelessly to make biosecurity an everyday priority, communicating its importance through field days, workshops, traditional and social media, and direct engagement.
His approach was personal and practical. Whether speaking with growers at a field day, briefing government officials or mentoring students, Jeff valued every conversation as an opportunity to build understanding and strengthen on-farm practices.
He was quick to address emerging issues, such as tourist incursions into canola paddocks, which he identified as an unexpected but significant biosecurity risk. By engaging local governments, tourism operators and the media, Jeff helped create simple, effective measures and increased public awareness about respecting farm boundaries and minimising pest and disease spread.
One of Jeff’s lasting contributions was the widespread adoption of on-farm biosecurity signage across the state. These signs, and the conversations they sparked, helped embed better hygiene and visitor management practices across WA’s grain regions.
Jeff also championed the development and distribution of practical tools, from factsheets and manuals to checklists and posters, that made biosecurity more accessible. He authored and reviewed pest factsheets to ensure WA growers had current, locally relevant information.
Surveillance for high-priority pests was central to Jeff’s work. He was instrumental in establishing a sentinel site surveillance for Khapra beetle and integrating modern tools such as the MyPestGuide ® application. This work provided strong evidence for WA’s pest-free status that is critical to maintain market access and international trade.
Jeff collaborated closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and industry partners to deliver accurate data and credible reporting.
He was also a key driver of WA’s involvement in the national phosphine resistance testing program and supported citizen science initiatives such as the Biosecurity Blitz and Pantry Blitz. These programs engaged hundreds of participants and produced thousands of pest reports, significantly strengthening the state’s surveillance network.
As an educator, Jeff trained DPIRD staff, agronomists and university students, helping embed biosecurity awareness across the industry. His regular lectures at Murdoch University and involvement with Curtin University and Muresk bridged the gap between research and practical application. During the disruptions of COVID-19, he adapted quickly to deliver online training and maintain engagement through digital platforms.
Jeff’s gift for explaining complex issues in simple terms made him a trusted voice. His radio interviews, articles and social media presence ensured that biosecurity messages were widely understood and acted upon.
Throughout his career, Jeff worked collaboratively with DPIRD, Plant Health Australia (PHA), Grain Producers Australia (GPA), GRDC, the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA), Co-operative Bulk Handling (CBH) and grower groups across the Wheatbelt. His professionalism and good nature made him a valued colleague and a respected leader.
The results of his work are evident: stronger networks, improved preparedness and a more biosecurity-aware industry. But Jeff’s greatest legacy is the culture he helped build: one of vigilance, cooperation and continuous improvement.
Those who knew him remember his kindness, humility and willingness to share knowledge. He never sought recognition, but his influence is felt across every corner of WA’s grains sector.
Jeff Russell leaves behind not only enduring systems and tools but also an industry that is stronger, more connected and better equipped because of his efforts. His contribution to Western Australian agriculture will be long remembered.
Vale, Jeff Russell — a true champion of grains biosecurity.
