The Australian Society of Agronomy Awards were announced at its biennial conference in Albany.
DPIRD grains research and industry development director, Kerry Regan, was awarded the inaugural Neil Fettell Award, named in honour of the late New South Wales agronomist.
The 2024 Young Agronomist Award was presented to research scientist Dr Brenton Leske.
Esperance based principal research scientist Mark Seymour was admitted as a Fellow of the Australian Society of Agronomy.
DPIRD Primary Industries Development Deputy Director General Cec McConnell said she was proud of the scientists’ contributions, which reflected their passion and commitment to advancing Western Australia’s grains industry.
“Our staff are highly regarded for their expertise and collaborative approach to research and development, which translates into meaningful gains that benefit growers and the broader grains industry,” she said.
“Kerry has had a diverse career with the department, holding leadership positions in recent years where she has reflected the virtues held by Neil Fettell, who was esteemed for sharing knowledge and nurturing young scientists.
“Brenton has established himself as a leader in frost research as part of DPIRD’s genetic improvement team, working alongside growers and R&D partners.
“He was also one of the inaugural recipients of the department’s Grains Research Scholarships.
“I am delighted Mark has been admitted as a Fellow of the Society, having worked closely with growers and scientists for more than 30 years, particularly in pulse and oilseed agronomy.
“These scientists are all worthy recipients of their awards and I thank them for the contribution they have made and continue to make to agronomic R&D and driving growth and prosperity in the grains industry.”
For more information on the awards, visit the Australian Society of Agronomy’s ‘Agronomy Australia’ website.
