The 2024 SALRC award winners from left, Stephen Lee (scientist/researcher), Richard Kirkland (producer), Jillian Kelly (communications/extension) and Young Achiever Andrea McKenzie.

THE Southern Australia Livestock Research Council has announced its 2024 award winners from candidates in the production, scientific, communication and young achiever categories.

The SALRC 2024 Award recipients include mixed farmer at Millicent in South Australia Richard Kirkland and the scientist/researcher winner SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub director, Stephen Lee.

AHN Consulting consultant Jillian Kelly from Coonamble, NSW, won the communication/extension award and the 2024 Young Achiever is Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries senior extension officer Andrea McKenzie.

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 chair Ian Rogan said SALRC is very keen to encourage excellence and innovation in our sheep meat and beef cattle industries, “whether it’s livestock producers who are testing and adopting best practices on farm, or the research and extension service providers who are contributing to an innovative, productive and profitable future for our livestock industries.”

“We are proud to announce our 2024 SALRC awards winners,” he said.

Producer award winner Richard Kirkland said he was honoured and privileged to have been nominated and win this award.

“SALRC is instrumental providing regional specific R&D for the red meat industry and ensures appropriate extension work that helps with the adoption of new farming practices.

“To be recognised as contributing with R&D and aligning with the SALRC principles is extremely rewarding,” he said.

Scientist/researcher award winner Stephen Lee said he was also honoured.

“I have been fortunate to have the opportunity from early in my career to establish great collaborations with livestock producers, value chain partners, and colleagues from across Australia on research and development programs focused on measurably improving productivity, profitability and sustainability.

“Through my current role, this scope has expanded to drought and climate resilience,” he said.

“I would like to acknowledge the SA Livestock Industry Blueprint Working Group; they have been a driving force in collaborative project development.”

Communication/Extension 2024 award recipient Jillian Kelly said she was thrilled to receive the award.

“I’m pleased that the producers that I work with find enough value in the service that I deliver to recognise my efforts in this way.

“A big thank you to SALRC and here’s to keeping the communication going between research, industry, advisors and producers through these channels.”

Young Achiever award recipient Andrea McKenzie said she is pleased to be at a stage in her career

where she can give back to the industry “that’s given so much to me.”

The awards were presented at the SALRC Rural Bank Livestock 2024 Conference Dinner on 24 August 2024 at Albury.

SALRC is an independent, incorporated association and one of three national research councils set up to provide recommendations on research, development  and adoption priorities and planning for grass-fed beef and sheep meat producers throughout Australia.