August 14, 2020
Three new members have been appointed to the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Northern Region Panel for the next two years.
Newcomers are Chris Clyne, a grower from Moree; rural banker Adam Tomlinson from Orange; and researcher Georgina Pengilley, from Tamworth.
They will join returning members Arthur Gearon, a grower from Chinchilla; research pathologist and private consultant Jo White; Parkes district grower Bruce Watson; Riverina district grower Roy Hamilton; Liverpool Plains senior agronomist Peter McKenzie; Central Queensland senior agronomist Graham Spackman; and GRDC’s Acting General Manager, Crop Protection, Biosecurity and Regulation, Ken Young.
NSW grower and agricultural consultant John Minogue will continue as Northern Panel chair.
GRDC chair John Woods said the Panel’s new members brought a diversity of insights and backgrounds which would complement the perspectives and skill sets of the returned members.
“The GRDC is confident the Panel is well equipped to serve the interests of grain growers across the northern region,” Mr Woods said.
“The Panels play an important role in sourcing feedback from growers and industry about regional production constraints, as well as opportunities, and bringing that information back to the GRDC to help guide investment direction.”
Mr Minogue thanked the outgoing members.
“We say farewell to Tony Hamilton formerly of Forbes, Roger Bolte from West Wyalong and Andrew McFadyen from Lake Cargelligo, who have all made outstanding contributions to the grains industry through their involvement with the Panel,” Mr Minogue said.
“These three Panel members are to be congratulated for their tireless commitment, invaluable insights and the enthusiasm they brought to their roles.”
One of the first commitments of the new Panel will be the annual GRDC spring tour in mid-September.
While this tour traditionally involves travelling to meet with regional growers, advisers and researchers, COVID-19 restrictions mean the tour will be held virtually this year.
