FAR Australia expands team with appointment of agricultural trials officer
Australian based field applied researcher, developer and extension provider announced today the appointment of Max Bloomfield as agricultural trials officer.
Confirming the appointment, Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia’s managing director Nick Poole said the appointment will enhance the organisation’s research capabilities in south west Victoria and south east South Australia regions.
“Having completed a bachelor of agricultural sciences with honours in 2017, Max then returned to La Trobe University in 2018 to commence a PhD in crop agronomy.
“Max’s passion for sustainable and efficient farming practices, with a strong emphasis on RD&E across cropping research fit superbly with FAR Australia’s long-term research strategy.
“Max’s enthusiasm and dedication was recognised by the CSIRO who awarded him a non-cash reward in recognition for his dedication and excellent work; he was also the recipient of the Australian Society of Agronomy Student Bursary award at the 2019 Australian Agronomy Conference.
“The team and I are delighted to welcome Max on board and look forward to working closely with him in delivering on our strategic goals now and into the future.”
Together with this appointment comes the announcement of Darcy Warren’s promotion from Senior Field Research Officer to Research Manager. Darcy has been a key member of the FAR Australia team since joining in 2017, following his graduation from the Agriculture Victoria and GRDC Agronomist Development Program (ADP), established as part of the Regional Research Agronomists program (RRA). He has been an inspiration to the team at FAR Australia and influential in the commencement and delivery of the Hyper Yielding Crops project. Darcy is keen to embark on the new challenges contained in FAR Australia’s Strategic Plan together with continuing to mentor field research staff.
Andrew Rice, FAR Australia’s board chairman said these are exciting times for FAR Australia. “Our not-for-profit status allows for re-investment of surplus funds into increased capacity and capability. As an organisation we have grown year on year which has allowed us to become a national provider of RD&E. With Mr Bloomfield’s appointment and Mr Warren’s promotion, we have added significant capacity and innovation to our skillset which will deliver on our purpose of being a national provider of, and investor in, RD&E for the Australian agricultural sector.”
Max Bloomfield commences his new appointment today and will be based at FAR Australia’s head office in Bannockburn, Victoria.