 |
|
|
|
|
3 November 2005
The award, sponsored by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), was presented to Mr Redden last night in Canberra for his project developing a specialised wheaten hay export industry.
“Once we know what the market place requires we can select a variety that is suited and develop an agronomic management package for that variety so that yield and quality requirements are met,” Mr Redden said. “This will provide an alternative income stream for producers that allows them to spread risk, improve farm profits and contribute to regional wealth.”
Mr Redden, of Clare, SA, will use the award to examine the market potential for a specialised wheaten hay variety, compare the yield and quality of selected hay against competing hay types, and use the results to develop an agronomic management package to assist hay growers to integrate the specialised hay type into their farming systems.
The sixteen $10,000 Science and Innovation Awards, are distributed to entrants from each state, sponsored by the Australian Government Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and entrants for relevant industries sponsored by six Rural Research and Development Corporations, including RIRDC. The awards are coordinated by the Bureau of Rural Sciences, enhance the use and recognition of science, innovation and technology in our rural industries, and further the careers of Australia's young scientists.
The awards were presented by The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Peter McGauran; the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald; and the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck at a ceremony at Parliament House.
"They are an important investment in our future," Senator Colbeck said. "They provide our young scientists and innovators with a unique opportunity to put their ideas into practice. At the same time, their projects benefit the industries they work in and the communities they live in."
RIRDC manages research and development investments for the Australian Government and rural industries. As the most diverse of the R&D Corporations, RIRDC invests in new rural industries, national rural issues and selected established industries, including fodder crops.
ENDS
Media inquiries
RIRDC Martin Field – Media
Manager: 02 6272 4735 or 0418 430 760
Partick Redden, Rural Direction
Pty Ltd – 08 8842 1103 or 0400 036 568
Downloadable
high resolution phots are availabe: right click on apicture to download.
The 16 State winners |
Winner, South Australian agricultural consultant Patrick Redden |
Further information on the awards and the other winners is available at www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards
 
|
Last updated: November 2005
Copyright © RIRDC
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/media_releases/3nov05.html