A new GRDC Southern Region Panel will represent graingrowers from Vic, SA and Tasmania for the next two years.
The GRDC Board has announced the composition of the panel which comprises four new members who join several members who have been re-appointed for another term.
Appointed to the Southern panel for the first time are research agronomist Andrew Ware, Port Lincoln; consultant and agricultural extension specialist Pru Cook, Dimboola, Vic, Michelle Watt, University of Melbourne and graingrower Michael Treloar, Cummins.
GRDC Chair John Woods said the panel's new members bring a diversity of insights and backgrounds which will complement the perspectives and skill sets of returned members.
"The GRDC is confident the Panel is well equipped to serve the interests of grain growers across the southern region," Mr Woods said.
"The Board was highly impressed with the quality and volume of panel member applications received - a reflection of the industry-wide value and respect placed on the GRDC Regional Panel system."
Mr Woods said the Regional Panel system helps ensure that GRDC's research, development and extension investments deliver gains in profitability to Australian grain growers by providing advice on GRDC investments.
The new panels will also assist in identifying and prioritising local, regional and national grains industry issues.
"The three panels play an important role in sourcing feedback from growers and industry about regional production constraints, as well as opportunities, and bringing that information back to the GRDC to help guide investment direction," Mr Woods said.
"In addition, the panels interact closely with the GRDC's Grower Network, farming systems groups, growers, agronomists, advisers, agribusiness and other industry stakeholders in their respective regions.
Southern Region Panel Chair John Bennett welcomed the appointment of the new Panel members while recognising the valuable contribution of outgoing Panel members, Peter Kuhlmann, a grower from Mudamuckla, Mike McLaughlin (former Deputy Chair), a researcher with the University of Adelaide; Fiona Marshall, Mulwala, NSW and Richard Murdoch, Warooka.
"Peter, Mike, Fiona and Richard have served the Panel with distinction, and we thank them for their dedication, input and commitment," Mr Bennett said.
"During their terms on the Panel, they all contributed to informing important GRDC investments in RD&E that have had and will continue to have a positive impact on grower profitability," he said.
The panel for the coming term features a dynamic blend of grain production, agronomic, extension and scientific expertise, as well as broad geographical representation, according to Mr Bennett, who also announced that Victorian Mallee grower and agronomist Kate Wilson has been appointed Deputy Chair.
The new Panel comprises: Chair John Bennett, grower from Lawloit, Vic; Deputy Chair Kate Wilson, grower/agronomist from Hopetoun, Vic; Michael Chilvers, grower from Nile, Tas; Jon Midwood, consultant from Inverleigh,Vic; Lou Flohr, agronomist/grower from Lameroo; Andrew Russell, grower from Rutherglen, Vic; Pru Cook, consultant from Dimboola, Vic; Andrew Ware, research agronomist from Port Lincoln; Michelle Watt, scientist from Melbourne; Michael Treloar, grower from Cummins.
GRDC's General Manager, Genetic and Enabling Technologies, Nicole Jensen, is the GRDC executive representative on the Panel.
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