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| 2012 News |
Researcher recognised for outstanding contribution to meat science research
27 April 2012
DPI researcher and Graham Centre member David Hopkins recently won a Rotary District 9700 Vocational Service Excellence Award for his outstanding contribution to meat science research and the advancement of that vocation locally, nationally and internationally. The award was presented at the District Rotary Conference.
Science hero champions Australian rivers
24 April 2012
A Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic has been named one of four heroes of science in a new book promoting various fields of science to Australian school students. Former CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Kath Bowmer, has been recognised for her work in improving the management of water flows through inland rivers to improve water quality, particularly in the Murray Darling Basin. Read more
Sheep measles research to benefit livestock industry
23 April 2012
Sheep producers are being asked to help researchers from the Graham Centre and Charles Sturt University find out more about sheep measles, a widespread problem that imposes avoidable costs on the meat industry.
Graham Centre researchers Dr David Jenkins and Dr Jan Lievaart from CSU’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences aim to find out more about the life cycle of the sheep measles parasite and examine the financial cost to the industry. Read more
Report gives the ‘good oil’ on olive oil storage
19 April 2012
A three-year research project conducted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Australian Oils Research Laboratory at Wagga Wagga has confirmed the importance of proper storage in maintaining the quality of olive oil. Read more
What should you know about tapeworms but were too afraid to ask?
18 April 2012
Dr David Jenkins will present an entertaining seminar tomorrow on the lifecycle of the taeniid cestodes, a group of tapeworms which are of considerable medical and veterinary importance. For more information please click here.
Researcher studies pigeon migration in Papua New Guinea
16 April 2012
Dr Andrew Peters has been doing some interesting research on the Pied Imperial Pigeon recently - he followed the species on its annual flight north to Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Read more
Monthly seasonal outlook
13 April 2012
A reminder about the upcoming BOM Monthly Seasonal Outlook webinar being held on Friday 27 April, 2012. Please register your interest with Rebecca Lines-Kelly, NSW DPI. An email alert will be sent to registered participants the week of the webinar.
CSU's eye in the sky is launched
13 April 2012
Development of an unmanned platform capable of mapping and monitoring weeds in agricultural and environmental landscapes is underway. Graham Centre member Dr Remy Dehaan and his research team hope to be able to use the system to investigate key targets such as Paterson's curse and silverleaf nightshade in managed agricultural locations, and serrated tussock and lantana in natural and less managed settings.
2012 AIAST prize awarded
4 April 2012
The 2012 Ag Institute Australia (AIAST) Prize has been awarded to Miss Candice Robinson, a 4th year student in Charles Sturt University's Bachelor of Agricultural Science course. Candice hails from the mixed farming town of Whitton, between Leeton and Griffith in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.
The prize was awarded at a recent (21 March 2012) Awards and Prizes Ceremony convened by CSU's Dean of Science, Professor Nick Klomp, and presented by Emeritus Professor Ted Wolfe. Read more
Crawford fund award
2 April 2012
Congratulations to CSU PhD student Nicola Wunderlich who was recently awarded the Crawford Fund scholarship to attend the IRRI Rice Production Course in The Philippines during May-June 2012. Graham Centre Director Professor Deidre Lemerle, Centre member Professor Ted Wolfe and past IAC member Dr Tony Fischer were on the scholarship interview panel.
"We were impressed with Nicola's attributes and CV, and particularly, her interest in the 'big picture' and in agricultural technology transfer," said Dr Fischer.
The Crawford Fund promotes and supports international R & D activities in which Australian research organisations and companies are active participants. The Fund supports the work of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and other international research centres.
"We all believe that Nicola has the potential for a career in international agricutlure and we hope that it is from an Australian base," Professor Wolfe said.
FASIC Early Career Fellowships in France in 2012
30 March 2012
The Australian Academy of Science invites applications from Australian early career researchers for the France-Australia Science Innovation Collaboration (FASIC) Program Early Career Fellowships in 2012.
The FASIC program is a joint fund to support high calibre Australian and French early career researchers (ECRs) nominated by their institutions, to expand research and innovation activities and to initiate substantial research networks and linkages to support both countries' research and innovation priorities.
Candidates should be research active in the fields of: Medical science and biotechnology, Energy, including clean energy, Sustainable infrastructure and transportation, Climate change and environment in the areas of marine science, land and water management and fire management.
More information.
2012 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes
28 March 2012
The 2012 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are now open. There are 18 opportunities to have your work rewarded:
· Commercialisation of Innovation
· Emerging Leader in Science
· Environmental Research
· Infectious Diseases Research
· Innovation in Computer Science
· Innovative Use of Technology
· Leadership in Science
· Medical Research Translation
· Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers
· Outstanding Science in Support of Defence or National Security
· Outstanding Young Researcher
· Promoting Understanding of Australian Science Research
· Science Journalism
· Science or Mathematics Teaching
· Science Photography
· Scientific Research
· Scientific Research that Contributes to Animal Protection
· Sleek Geeks Science (Primary and Secondary)
Further information
Get the latest Farm Facts
23 March 2012
The latest NFF Farm Facts 2012 was released earlier this month. This publication is a compendium of key facts and figures about farming and agriculture in Australia, from a social, economic and environmental perspective. The NFF have also created an interactive online presentation to accompany Farm Facts via Prezi. The publication and the presentation can both be accessed here.
Blueprint for Australian agriculture
23 March 2012
The National Farmers Federation (NFF) Blueprint is designed to be a roadmap for the future of the farming sector and the wider supply chain. The NFF are seeking the input of all with an interest in, or involvement with, agriculture into this process, to ensure the Blueprint captures the issues, challenges, opportunities and vision for the sector from those with a key stake in a sustainable future. To contribute to the process, click here.
Research identifies acid tolerance in legumes
22 March 2012
Research being conducted at Wagga Wagga has identified acid tolerance in new legume species that are due to become commercially available in the next two to three years. The work being carried our by the Graham Centre has involved screening new cultivars and species of perennial forage legumes for tolerance to alumninium and manganese toxicities, which are common in low pHsoils. Read more
Workshops to build knowledge in fleabane management
14 March 2012
Fleabane is a prolific seed producer with each plant producing an average of 119,000 seeds. Seed dormancy is weak so plants can germinate when temperature and moisture requirements are favourable. Depending on climatic conditions, it is possible that fleabane can have 2-3 generations a year.
The latest infromation on fleabane and its management is the target of two workshops being hosted by the Graham Centre at Wagga on 21-22 March. Read more
Top University Lecturers
9 March 2012
Congratualations to Graham Centre members Dr John Harper (CSU, School of Agriculture and Wine Sciences), Dr Nigel Urwin (CSU, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences) and Dr Hassan Obied (CSU, School of Biomedical Sciences) on making the top 10 Lecturers for CSU in 2011. Read more
Researchers share information at local GRDC Advisor updates
9 March 2012
A number of Graham Centre members recently presented their research at the Annual GRDC Advisor Updates at Narrandera.
- Andrew Milgate and Kurt Lindbeck - cereal and canola diseases
- John Broster - local herbicide resistant surveys revealed.
- Shawn McGrath (PhD student) - grazing late-pregnant and lambing ewes on dual-purpose wheat
- Ben Ovenden (PhD student) - water soluble carbohydrate accumulation in wheat.
- Simon Speirs - Better fertilizer decisions.
- Brendan Scott - Varying row spacing.
Click here for more infromation from the GRDC updates.
Cropping Solutions Committees
9 March 2012
Identification of local grain production constraints and opportunities has been taken to a new level with the appointment of members to the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) Southern Region Cropping Solutions Committees. The recently-created four regional committees now comprise grain growers, advisers, agronomists, consultants and researchers who have been appointed to provide support and advice to the GRDC’s Southern Regional Panel. The Graham Centre congratulates those members who have been appointed to the committees and looks forward to working with them going forward. Read more
Proud Supporter of Australian Year of the Farmer
8 March 2012
The Graham Centre is a proud supporter of the 2012 Australian Year of the Farmer. The Australian Year of the Farmer 2012 is a year-long celebration of the vital role farmers play in feeding, clothing and providing building materials to house us all. From small farms handed down over generations, to our largest agribusinesses, farming is inherent to the Australian way of life.
Netball, football or rodeo anyone?
8 March 2012
Associate Professor Geoff Burrows was out and about taking advantage of the viewpoint from Wagga's Willans Hill, overlooking the Wagga netball courts, rugby league grounds and the setup for the Wagga Rodeo (now postponed). The Murrumbidgee River peaked in Wagga on Tuesday night 6 March at 10.56m. Click here to view flood photos.
Entomology and sustainable agriculture
5 March 2012
What are the hot issues in applied entomology and how can entomologists help deliver sustainable agriculture? These were the central questions addressed by Australian and Chinese researchers at a workshop organised by the Graham Centre on 29 February. Honoured guests at the event were Professor Zhu Zeng Rong of Zhejiang University, Dr Lu Zhong Xian of the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Dr Fu Qian of the China National Rice Institute. The visitors were joined by 15 Australian-based entomologists from Orange and as far afield as Yanco. Read more
International students in Wagga Wagga
1 March 2012
Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga has welcomed more than 60 new international students from countries including South Korea, Japan, Colombia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Among them is PhD student Mr Muhammad Shoaib Tufail, from Pakistan. Mr Tufail’s research through the Graham Centre and CSU’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences focuses on the development of village-based forage seed production enterprises to make small farms more sustainable. Read more
Call on agricultural industries to address graduate decline
1 March 2012
A leading academic has appealed for a 'concerted effort for change' within the agricultural industry to turnaround the significant decline in agricultural graduates from Australian universities. Graham Centre member and Professor of Agriculture at CSU Jim Pratley is Secretary of the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture - a body formed in 2007 amid concerns about declining university enrolments in agriculture.
In the article Professor Agriculture - A case of supply and demand recently published by the Australian Farm Institute, Professor Pratley has warned the agricultural industry that 'the capacity of its workforce to meet the demand for jobs looms as its most sifnificant issue as it endeavours to take advantage of the opportunities created by food security'. Read more
Visiting scientist strengthens overseas partnerships
24 February 2012
Associate Professor MehdiSaidi, Deanof Agriculture, Ilam University, Iran, is visiting the Centre to work on medicinal plants that are exclusively found in Iran. These unique plants have potent antioxidant activity and Associate Professor Saidi is working with Dr Hassan Obied and Dr Paul Prenzler to determine the most bioactive components in the plant extracts.
Associate Professor Saidi is a horticulturalist who hopes to develop plant lines that are capable of being grown commercially and providing Iranian farmers with alternatecrops.
Scholar recognised for quality research
14 February 2012
Graham Centre PhD student Ben Ovenden has been awarded an American Australian Association Fellowship to study at North Carolina State University, USA. Ben is investigating the ability of wheat to accumulate carbohydrates to act as a reserve in the event of drought. Ben is using whole genome analysis methods to identify genome regions that are associated with the inheritance of this trait so that it can be incorporated into new wheat cultivars.
How does rice handle the heat?
14 February 2012
The abilty of a staple food crop, such as rice, to cope with climate change is under investigation in specially designed growth chambers at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga. Associate Professor Eberbach said the project, funded by the Graham Centre is driven by concerns about global food security. Read more.
Scientist awarded fellowship of prestigious Royal Swedish Academy
10 February 2012
Consulting scientist for NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and Associate Graham Centre member, Dr Rod Mailer, has been awarded a fellowship by the prestigious Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry at a ceremony by the King and Queen of Sweden. Read more.
Second crop of canola poses a huge risk
9 February 2012
The planting of a second crop of canola in the same ground needs to be avoided at all cost as there is a huge risk of it succumbing to blackleg disease. This was one of the key messages to emerge from a conference dedicated to the number one canola threat held at Wagga Waggaon 7 February.
Fleabane a cross border weed issue
9 February 2012
Fleabane is fast becoming a major weed of economic importance in crops and pastures in southern Australia.
The latest information on fleabane and its management is the target of a workshop to be hosted by the Graham Centre (an alliance between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries) at Wagga Wagga on 21-22 March. The workshop is part of a national fleabane research project funded by GRDC and lead by Dr Michael Widderick from DEEDI, Queensland. Read more
Centre Deputy Directors appointed
9 February 2012
Graham Centre members Professor Gavin Ash (CSU) and Dr Edward Clayton (NSW DPI) have recently been appointed as Deputy Directors of the Centre. The Deputy Directors will support the Director in Centre operations and lead their appropriate teams in developing profitable and sustainable agricultural systems. They will assist in identifying and communicating potential research projects to industry and facilitate the development of high quality research project applications that address industry issues.
Forming collaborative links with industry
7 February 2012
Graham Centre Director Professor Deirdre Lemerle and Centre Member Professor Peter Wynn recently travelled to La Trobe University, Melbourne, to meet Professor Terry Spithill, developing collaborative links in agriculture and animal production and to view the new AgriBiosciences Centre facilities at La Trobe University.
Students gain experience in the workforce
7 February 2012
Over November-December 2011, a number of local senior science school students participated in the Primary Industries Centre for Science Education (PICSE) Industry Placement Scholarship (IPS). The IPS connects tertiary bound science students with primary industry scientists, university professionals and exciting pathways. Students attended a five day Industry Placement Camp showcasing a variety of careers in primary industry, and gained experience working in a primary industry of their choice, working side-by-side with industry professionals. The scholarship culminated on 3 February with the PICSE Reporting Back Session, where the 12 participating students shared their experiences and received Certificates of Participation. Read more
Chinese visit strengthens overseas partnerships
31 January 2012
A delegation from the NorthEast Institute of Geography and Agro-ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, visited the Graham Centre on 30 January, 2012. Professor Xingyuan He, Director, Professor Pingyu Zhang, Deputy Director and Professor Daowei Zhou, Head Grassland Farming Group NorthEast Institute of Geography and Agro-ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences toured Graham Centre facilities including the Ryziolysimeter and met with Dr Guangdi Li and Centre Director Professor Deirdre Lemerle to discuss potential collaboration between the Graham Centre and the NorthEast Institute of Geography and Agro-ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Graduations
20 January 2012
A number of Graham Centre members participated in the Faculty of Science graduation ceremony at Wagga Wagga during December. Congratulations are extended to the following people who received a Doctor of Philosophy:
Kah Yaw EE 'Characterisation and bioactive properties of protease inhibitors and phenolics components from Australian Wattle (Acacia Victoriae Bentham) seed'.
Karen Kirkby 'The chemistry of ascorbic acid and sulfur dioxide as an antioxidant system relevant to white'.
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Jeff McCormick 'Growth, development and yield of dual purpose canola (Brassica napus) in the medium rainfall zone of south eastern Australia'.
Congratulations are also extended to Ross Gilbert who graduated at CSU, Orange campus with a Doctor of Philosophy in December. Ross' thesis was titled 'Determination and evaluation of endemic fungi found on alligator weed in Australia for the development of a bioherbicide'.
Talent recognised by RAS
11 January 2012
Mr David Gale has been awarded one of eight Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) 2012 Rural Achiever Awards. David was a Graham Centre Intern during 2009, working with Associate Professor Phil Eberbach, Dr Mark Conyers and Dr Iain Hume. In 2010 David received an Honours scholarship from GRDC and the Graham Centre researching the agronomic benefits of decreasing inorganic fertiliser use through the utilisation of composts. His supervisors were Dr Jason Condon, Dr Alison Southwell and Dr Mark Conyers. David is currently employed with NSW DPI as a graduate trainee at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle.
Stratgic plan sets direction through to 2016
11 January 2012
The Graham Centre's strategic plan 2011-16 focuses on eight key strategic areas and outcomes to consolidate and expand the Centre during the next five years. This includes identifying 2-3 key priority knowledge areas; developing strong partnerships with farmer groups; reviewing and streamling membership based on performance; evaluating the Centre profile by improved communication and industry links; developing a Monitor, Evaluate and Improve (MERI) plan, to determine the Centre's success; and streamling administrative processes. Contact the Graham Centre for hard copies or download here.
Snail biocontrol trial results fast-track new weapon for growers
11 January 2012
Encouraging results from southern field trials of a new biological agent to combat snails in grain crops have researchers on track for development of a commercial control.
Recent GRDC funded field trials of the nematode-based control on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, where snails are a major pest, have been declared a success, enabling scientists to progress with more refined field trials to be conducted this year in SA and Victoria.
The Victorian trials will also target slugs which were a significant problem in that state’s cropping regions during the 2011 growing season.
Professor Gavin Ash from the Graham Centre said the biocontrol was applied in high and low rates against conical and round snails and was compared with application of metaldehyde-based baits. Read more