Ron HACKER
Research interests
- Rangeland ecology
- Grazing management
- Biodiversity in production systems
- Climate risk management
Background
Ron received his basic training in Agricultural Science at University of Queensland and his post graduate training in ecology at University of NSW. From 1970 to 1991 he was employed by the WA Department of Agriculture working in rangeland research, extension, resource survey and monitoring, with postings to Kalgoorlie, Kununurra and Perth.
He joined NSW Agriculture* in 1991 as Special Officer (Rangelands) and was subsequently appointed Program Leader (Rangelands) with responsibility for research and extension programs in the semi-arid zone. He was appointed Director of the Centre of Excellence for Rangeland Management, Trangie Agricultural Research Centre in 1996 and retains that role. In his current position as Research Leader (Forest & Rangeland Ecosystems) he has responsibility for Industry & Investment NSW’s** research effort in sustainable forest and rangeland production systems. In addition to his experience in Australian rangelands he has worked in rangelands R&D in both Africa and the United States.
*The former NSW Department of Primary Industries became a part of the NSW Department of Industry & Investment (Industry & Investment NSW) on July 1, 2009.
Qualifications
- B. Agr. Sc. (Hons) University of Queensland 1969
- Ph D University of NSW 1979
Current projects
- Incentives for sustainable management
- Tactical grazing principles
- Restoration of degraded rangelands
Recent Publications
Hacker RB, Bowman AM, Price RJ and Robertson MJ (Eds) (2009) Special Issue Grain & Graze. Animal Production Science Volume 49 Issues 9-10, pp729-974. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.
Hacker RB, Bowman AM, Robertson MJ and Price RJ (2009) Evolution of mixed farming systems for the delivery of triple bottom line outcomes - a synthesis of the Grain &Graze program. Animal Production Science 49:966-974.
Price RJ and Hacker RB (2009) Grain & Graze: An innovative triple bottom line approach to collaborative and multi-disciplinary mixed-farming systems research, development and extension. Animal Production Science 49:729-735.
Bathgate A, Seddon J, Finlayson J and Hacker R (2009) Managing catchments for multiple objectives: the implications of landuse change for salinity, biodiversity and economics. Animal Production Science 49:852-859.
Hacker RB, Thompson TJ, Murray WK, Alemseged Y and Timmers PK (2008) Precision pastoralism – advanced systems for management and integration of livestock and forage resources in the semi-arid rangelands in south eastern Australia. Proceedings of the XXII International Grasslands Congress and VIII International Rangelands Congress, Hohhot, China. 29 June to 5 July. (CD ROM).
Alemseged Y, Hacker RB and Smith WJ (2008) 'Trigger points' – decision tools to mitigate seasonal climate risk in western New South Wales, Australia. Proceedings of the XXII International Grasslands Congress and VIII International Rangelands Congress, Hohhot, China. 29 June to 5 July. (CD ROM).
Waters CM, Melville GJ and Hacker RB (2008) Different scales of adaptive diversity in Austrodanthonia – A case against domestication. Proceedings of the XXII International Grasslands Congress and VIII International Rangelands Congress, Hohhot, China. 29 June to 5 July. (CD ROM).
Hacker RB and Smith WJ (2007) An evaluation of the DDH/100mm stocking rate index and an alternative approach to stocking rate estimation. The Rangeland Journal 29: 139-148.
Hacker RB, Hodgkinson KC, Melville GJ, Bean J and Clipperton SP (2006) Death model for tussock perennial grasses: thresholds for grazing-induced mortality of mulga Mitchell grass (Thyridolepis mitchelliana). The Rangeland Journal 28:105-14.
Hacker RB, Thompson TJ, Murray WK and Timmers PK (2006) Precision management systems for pastoral livestock producers. Panel paper presented to 14th Biennial Conference, Australian Rangeland Society, Renmark, September 3-7, Conference Papers pp. 198-201.
Hacker RB, Alemseged Y, Carberry PM, Browne RH and Smith WJ (2006) Betting on Rain. Managing seasonal risk in western NSW. NSW Department of Primary Industries. ISBN 0 7347 1727 X. 93pp.
Hacker R, Beange L, Casburn G, Curran C, Gray P and Warner J (2005) Best management practices for extensive grazing enterprises. Department of Primary Industries. ISBN 0747-1543 9. 40pp.
Professional associations and activities
- Australian Rangeland Society
- Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology
- Ecological Society of Australia
Fields of Research
- 050209 Natural Resource Management
Keyword/phrase list of research interests
- Rangeland ecology
- Rangeland management
- Farming systems
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