Article •  16/10/2019

Barley researcher and ag HR expert honoured at Australian Farmer of the Year Awards

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Corteva Agriscience today had the pleasure of announcing the winners of two prestigious categories at the 2019 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards

Proud sponsors of the inaugural Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research and the Rural Consultant of the Year, ANZ Marketing Director for Corteva Agriscience Dan Dixon was on hand at the awards ceremony held at Parliament House in Canberra today to present the winners with their respective accolades.

Tasmania’s Sally Murfet was named as the Rural Consultant of the Year.

The owner of InspireAg, Sally’s business offers project management, facilitation and strategic human resource management specifically for the agricultural sector.

“To ensure that clients have productive and profitable businesses I focus on systems and processes, communication styles and generational drives,” Ms Murfet said.

“I am honoured to be recognised by industry peers, at this level, less than two years in to establishing Inspire Ag,” she said.

Barley researcher and geneticist Professor Chengdao Li was named as the inaugural winner of the Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research.

Professor Li is the Director of the Western Barley Genetics Alliance at Murdoch University in Western Australia, leading research in improving barley yields and malt qualities.

Throughout his career, Professor Li has contributed to the breeding of several highly profitable barley varieties that have all delivered significant benefits back to Australian farmers

“Most recently I have been working on new barley lines with acid soil tolerance,” Professor Li said.

“It’s been estimated that this new variety could contribute $30 million to the WA economy per annum,” he said.

Professor Li said it gave him great pleasure to know his research was having real benefits back at the farm gate.

Corteva Agriscience’s Dan Dixon said celebrating and supporting the successes of Australian agriculture was a privilege.

“As a company, we’re dedicated to working with every stakeholder throughout the food system, and that very much includes and relies on our researchers and rural consultants,” Mr Dixon said.

“It’s wonderful to acknowledge the dedication of both Professor Li and Ms Murfet who are committed to a thriving, successful industry for generations to come. And Corteva Agriscience is thrilled to be part of that,” he said.

Corteva Agriscience congratulates all shortlisted nominees in its sponsored categories in the 2019 Farmer of the Year Awards. Rural Consultant of the Year: Chris Minehan, Wagga Wagga NSW, Christopher Monsour, Bowen QLD. Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research: Dr Nicholas Berry, Kangaroo Island SA, Professor Daniel Rodriguez, Brisbane QLD.

About Corteva Agriscience

Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximising productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognised brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfils its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come.

 

About the Farmer of the Year Awards

The Australian Farmer of the Year Awards are designed to celebrate and applaud the outstanding achievements of those individuals and families making a significant contribution to Australian Agriculture. 2019 marks the 10th year running that Kondinin Group and ABC Rural have hosted the Awards. For more information visit www.farmeroftheyear.com.au 

 

Media Contact: Megan Woodward, House of Communications

M: 0487 352 859 E: megan@houseofcommunications.com.au