The Southern Australia Livestock Research Council (SALRC) has announced the 2022 award recipients across the southern Australian livestock industries. The awards were developed to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in the contributions of individuals to research, development, extension, communication and practical application of innovation on farm, to improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of the Southern Australian red meat and livestock industries.
SALRC 2022 Award recipients are:
- Producer – Georgie Burbury (Sheep producer, Northern Midlands Tasmania)
- Scientist / Researcher – Prof. Richard Eckard (Director Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre, University of Melbourne.)
- Communication / Extension – Gemma Turnbull (Team Leader Agriculture, Western Local Land Services, NSW)
- Young Achiever – Dr Sabrina Lomax (Senior Lecturer in Livestock Behaviour and Welfare, The University of Sydney)
In announcing the award recipients, SALRC Chair Ian Rogan said “innovation and excellence should be recognised and rewarded in our livestock industries. The successful future of our sheep and beef industries depends on the research, development and commercial adoption of best practice and new knowledge and products. Better pastures, improved genetics and management of livestock, meeting market expectations in environmental impacts, animal welfare and product quality- all provide opportunities for ongoing improvements. Our award recipients this year are outstanding examples of the positive impacts of innovation and adoption of R&D outcomes in our livestock industries.”
In receiving her award, Georgie Burbury, Producer Award recipient responded with “I am both humbled and honoured to receive this award. SALRC has given producers at a grass roots level the opportunity to have input into where funding for research, development and adoption is spent which I believe is crucial for our red meat industry.”
In responding to his award as SALRC 2022 Scientist / Researcher, Prof Richard Eckard said “this award is a career highlight for me, as the best reward I could imagine from my career is to know that farmers were aware of my research, were supportive of what I do, but mainly that they directly benefitted from my research.”
The Communication / Extension 2022 Award recipient Gemma Turnbull said “I was surprised and honoured to receive the award, particularly in the company of such accomplished recipients across all categories.”
Dr Sabrina Lomax, Young Achiever Award recipient responded that she was “honoured to receive the award as a recognition of her research improving the welfare and sustainability of our livestock production systems. The award has further motivated her to continue partnering with industry to ensure that her research is practical and actionable at the farm level to facilitate adoption. She extends her gratitude to the SALRC committee for the nomination and award.”
The Awards were presented at the Livestock 2022 Conference dinner on Tuesday 6th September 2022 in Melbourne. SALRC will come to identify and recognise outstanding contributors to the red meat and livestock industries again in future.
SALRC is an independent, incorporated association and one of three national research Councils setup to provide recommendations on Research, Development & Adoption (RD&A) priorities and planning for grass-fed beef and sheepmeat producers throughout Australia.
SALRC Chair Ian Rogan with 2022 Producer Award winner Georgie Burbury
(Photo courtesy Terry Sim, Sheep Central)
SALRC Chair Ian Rogan with 2022 Scientist -Researcher Award winner Richard Eckard
(Photo courtesy Terry Sim, Sheep Central)
SALRC Chair Ian Rogan with 2022 Communications -Extension Award winner Gemma Turnbull
(Photo courtesy Terry Sim, Sheep Central)
Dr. Sabrina Lomax, SALRC 2022 Young Achiever Award winner