November 2, 2023
The Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) has paid tribute to well-known Queensland-based researcher Alan Cruickshank who died on October 25 from cancer.
Alan was a much-respected member of the close-knit Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Hermitage Research facility team.
He was also well-known throughout the northern region for his significant contributions to sorghum and peanut breeding and production.
GRDC chair John Woods said Alan would be greatly missed by the research community and wider agriculture sector, as well as by the many growers and advisers who had benefited from his knowledge and experience.
“On behalf of a grateful industry, GRDC would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Alan’s family – Susan, Liam and Kate – and his close friends and colleagues, particularly those who worked alongside him at the Hermitage,” Mr Woods said.
“Alan was an engaging, good-humoured researcher who readily engaged with people and was always willing and available to share his research.
“He was passionate about his work and his legacy to the peanut and sorghum industries will be the close to 40 years he spent working closely with industry as a plant breeder committed to improving yields, disease and insect resistance and grain quality.”
