New GRDC Western Panel Chair Announced

Key Appointments and Recognitions in the Agricultural Sector

1. New GRDC Western Panel Chair:
   • Gary Lang from Wickepin, Western Australia, has been appointed as the new chair of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Western Region Panel, succeeding Darrin Lee in September 2024. Lang has been a panel member since 2020.
2. Simson Elected WFO Vice President:
   • Fiona Simson, immediate past president of the National Farmers’ Federation, was elected as the World Farmers’ Organisation vice president. She is the first Australian to hold this position and aims to elevate the voice of Australian farmers in global agricultural policy discussions.
3. Vale Frank Hadley:
   • Frank Hadley, a pioneer of the Australian cotton industry, passed away at 97. Hadley was instrumental in establishing the Namoi Cotton Cooperative and Cotton Seed Distributors.
4. Poole Inducted into Ag Hall of Fame:
   • The late Michael Leslie Poole was inducted into the WA Agricultural Hall of Fame for his contributions to agricultural science and innovation. Poole held significant positions in the Western Australian Department of Agriculture and CSIRO.
5. Inaugural Board to Head ZNE-AgCRC:
   • The Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-AgCRC) announced its inaugural board, including new directors Nick Austin, Kat Giles, Melinee Leather, and Chris Murphy.
6. Gurney Joins Agfert:
   • Tim Gurney has been appointed as chief officer business growth and relations at Agfert Fertilizers, focusing on expanding the company’s supply chain and market for its N-shield urea technology.
7. Changes at RLF:
   • Ken Hancock has been terminated as managing director and CEO of RLF AgTech. Gavin Ball, a founding director, has been appointed as acting managing director.
8. New SAGIT Trustees:
   • Lou Flohr and Felicity Turner have been appointed as new trustees of the South Australian Grain Industry Trust, bringing extensive agricultural knowledge and governance experience.
9. Young Grower of the Year Winner:
   • Zeke Zalsman from Western Australia has won the 2024 Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year for his commitment to sustainability and innovation in the horticulture industry.
10. New Loam Bio Appointment:
    • Catrina Matheson has joined Loam Bio as senior commercial marketing manager, bringing a decade of experience in sustainable agriculture.
11. Taylor Joins Allied Pinnacle:
    • Melinda Taylor has been appointed head of product and growth at Allied Pinnacle, overseeing marketing, brand, product, ingredients, and innovation.
      These appointments and recognitions highlight significant leadership changes and achievements in the agricultural sector, reflecting an ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence.