Corteva Agriscience is proud to announce that three rural consultants and three agricultural researchers from across Australia have been shortlisted for two prestigious categories at the 2019 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards.
Hosted by Kondinin Group and ABC Rural, the Awards recognise excellence in farming and farming communities across rural and regional Australia and will be presented at the 10th annual Australian Farmer of the Year Awards as part of Ag Week in Canberra on the 16th of October.
Corteva is delighted to sponsor two key categories in this years’ Awards, the Rural Consultant of the Year and the inaugural Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research.
The shortlisted nominees for the Rural Consultant of the Year are:
· Chris Minehan, Wagga Wagga NSW
· Sally Murfet, Sorell TAS
· Christopher Monsour, Bowen QLD
Finalist Chris Minehan, who works for Rural Management Strategies (RMS) Farm Business Consultants, said he’s excited and humbled to have been named as a finalist.
“It’s good to highlight those farmers who are performing well despite adverse seasonal conditions, plus the professionals who assist them in achieving their goals,” Chris said.
“Awards like these shows the rest of the industry what is possible,” he said.
The shortlisted nominees for the inaugural Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research are:
· Dr Nicholas Berry, Kangaroo Island SA
· Professor Daniel Rodriguez, Brisbane QLD
· Professor Chengdao Li, Perth WA
Finalist Professor Daniel Rodriguez, whose research focus area includes the development and use of modelling tools and big data techniques to contribute to solving complex problems such as mitigation of climate change and food and nutrition security, said being acknowledged was incredibly rewarding.
“I really appreciate the nomination and would like to highlight that I owe the nomination to all those great leaders that preceded me and mentored me over the years. As well as the farmers and farming communities that allowed me to work and co-learn with them,” Professor Rodriguez said.
“I’m also grateful to my workplace, the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation based at The University of Queensland and the multitude of funding bodies that saw value in our ideas. And to a great team of colleagues and collaborators both in Australia and around the world,” he said.
Dan Dixon, ANZ Marketing Director from Corteva Agriscience, said sponsoring both awards was an honour for the company.
“At Corteva we believe that when farmers win, everybody wins, and the rural consultants and agricultural researchers on the ground each and every day are critical in ensuring the success of Australian farmers,” Mr Dixon said.
“Recognising the talent, innovation and commitment of those who have dedicated their careers to the betterment of our agricultural industry is a privilege and we look forward to announcing the winners during Ag Week later this month,” he said.