Agronomy winner
From the September 2008 edition of Agriculture Today.
District agronomist Barry Haskins’ expertise has already earned him the respect of hundreds of south western NSW farmers - now it’s won him a top agronomist title for Australia.
Mr Haskins, who looks after growers throughout the Hillston region and is based at NSW DPI’s Griffith office, was named joint winner of the Young Agronomist Award by the Australian Society of Agronomy.
His contributions to extension and research components of conservation farming have contributed to the huge swing towards no till farming in his local region and beyond.
Mr Haskins, 29, described the award as a great honour, and said it helped recognise what DPI agronomists achieve in their districts.
"One of the great things we offer to growers in our district is the access we have to a range of resources and expertise within the department," he said.
"So if we see a problem in a paddock we can talk to a pathologist or nutritionist and access a lot of information that helps the grower.
"It’s a job you get a lot of enjoyment out of - you get first hand opportunities to make a difference as a district agronomist, and gain lots of experience within your regional boundaries and develop knowledge about local issues.
"On top of that we are seen as independent; an important factor according to many of the farmers I work with.
"We are able to take research and localise it by putting it into practise in our local region - and help see the benefits farmers can gain from it."
DPI’s broadacre cropping industry development manager, Chris Cole, said the award was timely recognition of the talents of the department’s statewide team of agronomists.
"We have a group of dedicated agronomists who are very technically astute, and are well regarded in their respective districts.
"They are helping growers implement beneficial change on their farms, and achieving good results," he said.
NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said it was the first time a NSW DPI agronomist had taken out the prestigious award.
"Barry is highly regarded throughout south western NSW for his outstanding work in conservation farming, including helping farmers adopt practises such as no till cropping, and making the best use of water," Mr Macdonald said.
"Considering much of this region has been in severe drought for the past five to six years, his efforts have been particularly timely in helping growers get the most out of their limited natural resources.
"In addition to assisting dryland winter crop producers, he has also applied excellent extension advice for users of irrigation systems, also an integral part of his region".
"This is worthy recognition for a hard working and dedicated young agronomist who is committed to the cropping sector and to the DPI."
Mr Haskins studied Rural Science at the University of New England then joined the department’s Dubbo office in early 2002 as a trainee agronomist, before moving to take up the Hillston agronomist position later that year.
Mr Haskins is also the senior author for the Weed Control in Winter Crops publication, author of a mustard production guide, and co-author of a Field Pea production guide.
He will receive his award at the national agronomy conference in Adelaide next month, along with joint winner, Jason Brand, of Victoria DPI.
