WA Researchers Honoured In 2024 Australian Society Of Agronomy Awards

Three researchers were recognised for their contributions to agronomy at the Australian Society of Agronomy biennial conference in Albany this October.

Fellowship Award

Mark Seymour, a Principal Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and Professor Ken Flower, Director of the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative, University of Western Australia, were both awarded an Australian Society of Agronomy Fellowship at the 2024 Agronomy Conference.

Fellowships recognise important contributions to agronomy including laboratory and field research, development, extension, administration and support of the careers of fellow agronomists.

Australian Society of Agronomy President Dr Ben Biddulph said both Mark and Ken have been instrumental in the field of agronomy in Australia and have both built outstanding reputations over their careers.

“Mark was a driving force behind the establishment of the field pea industry, and later the faba bean and lentil industries, in the Esperance hinterland, which is still the centre of pulse production in WA,” Dr Biddulph said.

“Most of that time has been spent in the area surrounding Esperance on WA’s south coast but his influence has been felt throughout WA and nationally.

“Mark’s tireless work on pulse production and international market access, and his research into farming systems and break crops, has benefited growers across the country.”

“Ken has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in advancing agricultural research, particularly in the realm of sustainable cropping systems for WA, paving the way for practical solutions to global agricultural challenges,” Dr Biddulph said.

“With a strong focus on improving both sustainability and profitability, Ken’s contributions have significantly impacted the Australian agricultural landscape through the advocacy of no-tillage farming systems, crop rotations and cover crops, crop residue management, weed management and the use of precision agriculture.

“Beyond research, Ken actively contributes to the advancement of agricultural knowledge through teaching, mentoring, industry engagement and leadership roles.

Young Agronomist Award

DPIRD Research Scientist Brenton Leske received the Young Agronomist Award at the 2024 Agronomy Conference.

Brenton has spent 10 years in focussed research into the economically critical subject of frost impact in cereals and overcoming its negative consequences.

Australian Society of Agronomy President Dr Ben Biddulph said Brenton was a shining example of how up and coming researchers can have significant impacts on Australian agronomy.

“Brenton has developed from a junior researcher to a position where he now leads DPIRD’s frost research investment in the process overseeing the setting of priorities, adapting the research strategy, securing project funding and managing the resulting project initiatives,” Dr Biddulph said.

“He now plays a key role in national industry-funded research projects to improve the agronomy, genetic resources and risk management of frost for Australian grain growers.

As part of Brenton’s award, he receives a travel grant to the value of $5000.

Brenton plans to attend the 2024 ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. The focus of the conference is ‘AI innovations for a changing climate’. He also plans to meet with several leading University Researchers while in the United States.

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