Recognition of ongoing work

Field

Applied

Research Australia

managing director Nick Poole is the fifth recipient of Birchip Cropping Group’s Harm van Rees award.

Mr Poole received the award in recognition of his expertise and commitment to extending best practice in canopy and fungicide management to farmers across the Wimmera and Mallee.

He received the award at BCG’s trials review day after thinking he was attending the event to deliver a disease management presentation.

Mr Poole said he had always enjoyed working with farming systems groups.

“It’s such a fantastic way to get the message across to a large number of people,” he said.

“BCG is such a welcoming organisation, which I feel proud to have worked with and continue to work with.”

The Harm van Rees Award is awarded to a farmer, researcher, agronomist or industry leader who has made a significant contribution to agriculture in the region.

The recipient must capture and share the qualities of the award’s namesake, Harm van Rees, in that they are committed to supporting farmers with science, delivered in practical messaging.

BCG chief executive Fiona Best said Mr Poole’s stripe rust research and extension work was significant.

“Nick has been working with grow- ers for the past 20 years, providing research-based strategies across Australia,” she said.

“He has worked with BCG from the beginning, leading fungicide diagnostic schools locally and across borders.

“Nick is a true leader in his field, having developed integrated disease management strategies including variety choice, fungicide timings and awareness around optimum seasonal conditions to ensure growers are well equipped to make informed economic decisions.”

Dr Harm van Rees said BCG existed because of the ‘tremendous support’ of farmers, sponsors, funding agencies, staff and research supporters.

“Nick has been a part of BCG’s journey for a long, long time,” he said.

“He has an intrinsic ability to clearly explain, demonstrate and cajole us to think about how crops grow and what the crop needs to optimise its yield potential.

“Nick is known for his quiet, measured speech, ensuring his audience hangs on every word.