John SYKES
Research interests
- Breeding better crop and pasture varieties through yield assessment, disease screening and quality evaluation that is regionally focused and nationally linked.
- Developing efficient breeding tools, introducing new germplasm and having the best available parents for crossing.
- Conducting on farm and centre research trials to develop best management practices.
- Prioritising and negotiating industry funding for new and existing farming system activities.
- Improving the adoption rate of new crops and pastures in northern farming systems.
Background
John Sykes was appointed Research Leader Framing Systens North/Director Tamworth Agricultural Institute for NSW DPI in 2009 to lead project teams that breed new crop and pasture varieties and conduct farming systems research.
He completed 7 years as a panel member for GRDC (1994-2001) specialising in developing a participative approach to farming systems R&D in Australia and negotiating national breeding programs in canola, soybeans, sunflowers, pastures, lucerne.
He currently manages 70 staff (17 professional officers) and is responsible for project funds totalling $4.0M/year.
In recognition of pioneering group extension activities and industry development, he has received 5 industry recognition awards.
He has a commitment to team work and enjoys working with people.
Awards
(1) 1992 outstanding canola industry contribution award (Crisco Canola)
(2) 1996 citation in recognition of contribution to industry liaison (Charles Sturt University)
(3) 1999 contribution to the mungbean industry, honorary member of AMA
(4) 2000 certificate of appreciation for industry development (Pulse Australia)
(5) 2004 Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Public Service Management in recognition of re-designing the research approach into farming systems.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Agriculture (WDA)
- Graduate Diploma in Extension (HDA)
Current projects
- Brassica juncea Agronomy –devloping best management practices for juncea canola and mustard in Australia.
Recent Publications
- Lupin: Best practice management for sustainable production.
- Trends in pulse and oilseed crops in winter cereal rotations, 2005
- No tillage challenges and solutions for soybeans in Australia, 2004
- Australian mungbean strategic plan 1997-2002.
- Pulse production in Australia past, present and future, 1997.
- Priorities for new ley legumes for the tropical and subtropical grains industries, 1996
Professional associations and activities
- Member, Pulse Breeding Australia Board
- Member, Management Committee National Soybean Breeding
- Co-Chairperson, Canola Breeders Group
Fields of Research
- 070305 Crop and Pasture Improvement (Selection and Breeding)
Keyword/phrase list of research interests
- Pulses, oilseeds
- Farming Systems
- breeding
- disease management
- adaptation
- grain quality
- molecular markers
Contact details
Dubbo Tel 02 6881 1282
Fax 02 6881 1295
Tamworth Tel 02 6763 1138
Mobile 0411 139662
john.sykes@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Location
Dubbo District Office
Cnr Hampden and Cobra Streets
Dubbo NSW 2830
Postal address
Dubbo District Office
PO Box 865
Dubbo NSW 2830