FAR's 2016 Researcher of the Year has been awarded to Murray Kelly of PGG Wrightson Seeds. FAR CEO Nick Pyke says the award was richly deserved, as Murray has been involved in seed production for 40 years; starting with PGG at Ceres Farm and now with PGG Wrightson Seeds as the Senior Production Agronomist.
"Every year Murray runs many on farm trials, focusing on topical problems and specific weed issues. These have included hair grass control in ryegrass, plant growth regulator trials in a range of crops, and disease management solutions. The development of plantain as a viable seed crop, giving seed growers economic returns is largely the result of 20 years work that Murray led. He has had a major role in research and extension to development managements that ensure high rates of endophyte transmission.
"For the past 10 years Murray has worked with FAR and AgResearch staff to deliver new research and understanding on ryegrass management to the FAR Ryegrass Discussion groups. Within PGGW he is the go-to man that field reps call on when they encounter problems outside “normal” issues.
"Internationally Murray is well known in seed production circles and he has made many visits and regularly speaks with growers and field reps in Tasmania, Denmark, Oregon and Uruguay. He has attended many conferences and workshops run by the International Herbage Seed Group and the current President of the IHSG Phil Rolston comments that Murray makes significant contributions in the informal discussions that are a critical part of any successful conference.
"Murray has been described as a “walking encyclopaedia” on all aspects of seed production. He has been generous in sharing information and ideas with other researchers including FAR that has led to both helping FAR to focus on treatments that work. Murray did some great work on plant growth regulators in cocksfoot that led to a joint author publication including FAR staff. He also has had a significant role in mentoring the next generation of seed researchers.
"His work in setting up systems to screen ryegrass cultivars for head emergence dates and disease susceptibilities of New Zealand and overseas cultivars grown for re-export have set a standard that FAR would like to see replicated by other companies."
Mr Pyke's comments were endorsed by visiting crop extension specialist Assistant Professor Nicole Anderson from Oregon State University, USA, who then presented the award in front of an audience of 200+ growers and industry representatives at the dinner following FAR's CROPS 2016 event at Chertsey on 7 December 2016.