GRDC unveils new-look Western Region Panel with Nick Gillett and John Young new faces in the group

The Grains Research Development Corporation has unveiled its new-look Western Region Panel, with Bencubbin farmer Nick Gillett and Calingiri farmer John Young joining the nine-strong group after being selected from “high-calibre” applicants. The board of the nation’s biggest grains research body this month revealed the two farmers had stepped up to the roles, replacing former deputy chair Jules Alvaro — of Merredin — and well-known researcher John Blake at the end of their terms. Seven members returned to the panel, including agronomists Craig Brown and Quenten Knight — of Perth and Esperance respectively — and well-known InterGrain wheat breeder Dan Mullan. Also among the group is Perth-based researcher Richard Williams, who works at CBH Group, as well as farmers Gary Lang (Wickepin), Juliet McDonald (Coorow), and Suzanne Woods (Calingiri). The Western Region Panel helps guide GRDC’s priorities for research, development and extension investments to deliver enduring profitability to grain growers in WA. Panel members are elected for two year terms initially, with the option to extend. GRDC chair John Woods said the new panel members had a diversity of skillsets and knowledge which would complement the experience of returning members. He thanked Ms Alvaro and Mr Blake for their “outstanding contributions to the grains industry”. “On behalf of the western panel and the broader GRDC organisation I would like to say a very genuine thank you for their commitment to the cause, they leave our State and this region’s grain growers in a better position,” he said. Mr Woods said the GRDC board had been impressed with the calibre of applicants for the Western Region Panel, saying he believed it reflected the “industry-wide value and respect placed on the GRDC Regional Panel system”. “What we were looking for was a balance of expertise and experience with a geographic spread that represented the grains industry and could offer considered and insightful advice on industry needs and priorities,” he said. Mr Woods said the GRDC Regional Panel system played a critical role identifying and prioritising local, regional and national grains industry issues informed by their industry networks and firsthand understanding. “We are really confident that we have landed with a (Western Region) panel that will help GRDC continue to deliver innovative, and targeted, as well as strategic and transformational RD&E investments,” he said. GRDC Western Panel chair Darrin Lee, who farms at Mingenew, said it was also timely to recognise the significant effort and commitment of those panel members who were stepping down after effectively representing their industry. “What we were looking for was a balance of expertise and experience with a geographic spread that represented the grains industry and could offer considered and insightful advice on industry needs and priorities,” he said. The new Panel has quickly turned its attention to the annual GRDC spring tour, which involves travelling to meet with regional growers, advisers and researchers to understand the opportunities and constraints facing different areas of the western region.