SARDI research scientist Kenton Porker has been recognised for his dedication, enthusiasm and quality of work in the grains industry by being named the 2019 recipient of the GRDC Southern Region Emerging Leader Award.
GRDC Southern Region Panel deputy chair Mike McLaughlin presented the award at the GRDC Grains Research Update in Adelaide today.
He said Dr Porker’s trusted expertise and advice was often sought by the grains industry which has benefited enormously from his contribution so far.
“His work in the area of improving barley production through the GRDC’s Southern Barley Agronomy project has been particularly impactful, delivering new insights and understandings to enable growers to make the most from their crop varieties,” he said.
“Kenton’s research has concluded that optimum yield is best achieved by matching variety phenology to sowing time and environment to ensure flowering occurs at the right time to minimise exposure to frost, heat and moisture stress.
“His ongoing work involves developing new models to explain complex environmental interactions and he complements traditional approaches with new tools such as the use of novel multispectral cameras, thermal cameras, and unmanned aerial vehicles.”
The Emerging Leader Award is a financial scholarship that can be used for travel or another agreed activity to further the skills or expertise of the recipient.
“The award is designed to encourage the emerging leader to establish linkages that leverage international knowledge and opportunities to assist the Australian grains industry to address gaps in research and skills,” Dr McLaughlin said.
“The award fosters networking opportunities and the development of linkages with leading researchers from around the globe.
“We hope this will help Kenton in his efforts to identify new paths to profitability for our graingrowers, which we know is the driving force behind all that he does.”