Key staff changes ahead at FAR Australia
Australian based field applied researcher, developer and extension provider today announced its Research Director, Dr Kenton Porker, will be leaving the organisation on 2 December 2022.
Dr Porker has accepted the role of Farming Systems Agronomist at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Adelaide.
FAR Australia’s Managing Director Mr Nick Poole expressed his sincere thanks to Dr Porker.
“Kenton has made a significant contribution to the organisation and has, without doubt, helped position FAR Australia as a leader in the grains research and extension arena in Australia,” he said.
“He has provided outstanding leadership and vision through some very challenging times including COVID-19 and some exceptionally inclement growing conditions, however his passion and determination to help Australian grain growers to increase productivity, along with growing our business has been commendable; the FAR Australia board and staff along with myself sincerely wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Dr Porker says, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with a team of dedicated staff at FAR Australia and grateful to FAR Australia, investment partners and collaborators for the opportunity to work nationally across a wide range of agroecological zones and production constraints in all broadacre crops.
“FAR Australia continues to grow and build a reputation as a leader of in-field experimentation and application of research innovation that increases profitability for Australian growers; I believe I am leaving the organisation in a strong position and look forward to collaborating with FAR Australia in my new role.”
Over the past decade, FAR Australia has expanded its R, D & E portfolio; with eight crop technology centres located nationally across five states of Australia, the organisation is able to deliver first-class research across both winter and summer crops. Over this time the organisation has also seen substantial growth in staff capacity and capability.
The organisation is making some significant and well-earned internal staff changes in order to continue to meet current and future project obligations. Both Max Bloomfield and Tom Price are to be promoted to Research Managers and Daniel Bosveld will also be advanced to Field Research Officer. All new positions will be effective from 1st January 2023. These staff advancements will be combined with the recruitment of two Agricultural Trials Officers in 2023.
“We look forward to continuing to deliver on our strategic plan and recruiting and advancing young graduates and emerging research agronomists with a passion for R, D and E,” says Mr Poole.
Pictured left to right: Max Bloomfield, Tom Price, Daniel Bosveld.
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