Six highly skilled scientists and graingrowers have been appointed for a three year term to the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Western Regional Panel. 

The nine member Western Panel advises the GRDC on its investments, which in WA in 2004/05 were about $24 million, or almost one fifth of the GRDC’s national budget.

Announcing the new members, Ralph Burnett, David Capper, Merrie Carlshausen, Richard Oliver, Neil Young and Ruth Young, GRDC Board Chairman Terry Enright said they were selected for experience in growing, researching, processing and marketing.

“Together, they will provide the GRDC with a valuable network that identifies and responds to emerging and existing regional grains industry issues.

“The new Western Panel now effectively embraces the whole grains supply chain, including marketing, handling, input supply and processing,” Mr Enright said.

Hyden grower Dale Baker continues as Western Panel Chair, while crop physiologist and agronomist, Dr Bob Belford and Department of Agriculture Wheat Development Officer, Ben Curtis have been re-appointed to a second term.

Ralph Burnett has worked as a crop protection and agronomic consultant for 29 years and has considerable experience in chemicals research and development.

David Capper, who works for CBH, is a highly experienced grain quality manager with considerable knowledge of product testing and market requirements. He also share farms a small grain and sheep enterprise.

Merrie Carlshausen, who farms at Wubin in WA’s north-eastern wheatbelt, is an active member of the Liebe Group, chairs its Ethics Committee, is on its Management and Finance Committee and is a partnership development officer.

Richard Oliver is a researcher and Professor of Molecular and Physiological Plant Pathology at Murdoch University. He is on the Centre for Legumes In Mediterranean Agriculture’s program management team and industry advisory group.

Neil Young has farmed at Kojonup for more than 30 years, is immediate past President of WANTFA, a member of the State Salinity Council and a member of the Department of Agriculture’s Katanning Advisory Panel.

Ruth Young of Calingiri works in her family’s grain production business and also for various agribusinesses, including farm consultancies, grain marketing companies, training organisations and research and development groups.

Mr Enright commended and thanked the 100 high calibre candidates who nominated this year for the GRDC’s Western, Southern and Northern Panels.

“Those selected will complement the skills of existing members and provide a new platform of fresh ideas and expertise,” he said.

He also thanked those retiring Western Panel members who have been instrumental in forging close links between the GRDC and graingrowers.