SALRC executive director Mike Stephens, left, with SALRD chair Ian Rogan, interviews the annual award recipients, from left, young achiever Sarah Baker, communications-extension recipient Deborah Scammell, scientist-researcher recipient Assoc Prof Matthew Harrison, and producer award recipient David ‘Seth’ Cooper.

TOP research, development and adoption, communications and production performers from three states have been recognised for their industry contributions, at the recent 2023 Southern Australia Livestock Research Council awards dinner.

The awards recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in the contributions of individuals to research, development and extension; communication and extension, and practical application of innovation on farm, to improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of the Southern Australian red meat and livestock industries.

The SALRC 2023 award recipients are:

– Producer – David (Seth) Cooper (sheep producer, Jamestown, SA)

– Scientist/researcher – Associate Professor Matthew Harrison (systems modelling team leader, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Launceston Tasmania)

– Communications/extension – Deborah Scammell (consultant, Talking Livestock, Sevenhill,cSouth Australia)

– Young achiever – Sarah Baker (development officer, pasture systems, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Tamworth)

SALRC chair Ian Rogan said the council had a strong response when the call for nominations was made in May this year.

“The awards have been established by SALRC to enable recognition of excellence in innovation amongst livestock producers and those providing research and advisory services for livestock producers across NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.”

Producer award recipient Seth Cooper said he was humbled and grateful to have received the award from SALRC.

“SALRC is instrumental providing region specific direction for R&D for the red meat industry, and ensures appropriate extension work leads to adoption of R&D outcomes.

“These awards highlight the importance of R&D, extension and adoption to an industry that is a major contributor to the Australian economy,” he said.

“To be recognised as contributing in a way that is aligned with the principles of SALRC is extremely rewarding.”

SALRC 2023 scientist/researcher award winner, Assoc Prof Matthew Harrison, said in many ways, the award evidences the beneficial impact of our work on the livestock sector.

“My team is lucky enough to work in a demand-driven way, where farmers and industry tell us what their problems are, and we co-design plausible solutions with them.

“We focus on the transdisciplinary effects potential farming systems solutions may have on productivity, profitability, environmental stewardship and social licence to operate, to ensure that beneficial impacts in one dimension are not maladaptive in another, e.g. a change that improves profit does not also increase greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

“Much of our current work focuses on helping producers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve carbon storage in a profitable and sustainable way, from tools for improving carbon storage to new practices that reduce enteric methane emissions.

“This award suggests that the fruits of our labours are benefitting the livestock sector, Assoc. Prof. Harrison said.

“Thanks to SALRC for recognising the efforts of my team with this award, to Meat & Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation for funding our research, and to industry for working with us to ensure that the technologies and practices we generate are fit-for-purpose.”

Communications/extension award recipient Deborah Scammell said she was honoured to be nominated and to win the award.

“I feel lucky to work in such a great industry with a diverse range of challenging and enjoyable work. To be recognised for my contribution was unexpected, but appreciated and thanks again to SALRC for their contribution to the industry.”

Young achiever award recipient Sarak Baker she was thankful to all the people who have supported me in her career to help her get to where she has got to.

“Also, it is lovely to have my work recognised by the industry.”

The awards were presented at the SALRC council dinner on 10 October in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.