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 of Research Leader (Forest and Rangeland Ecosystems) he has responsibility for NSW Department of Industry and Investment'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.

*NSW Department of Primary Industries was formed on July 1, 2004 through an amalgamation of NSW Agriculture, NSW Fisheries, State Forests of NSW and the NSW Department of Mineral Resources. 

Qualifications

• B. Agr. Sc. (Hons) University of Queensland 1969
• Ph D University of NSW 1979

Current projects

• Sustainable mixed farming systems
• Seasonal risk management
• Tactical grazing principles
• Restoration of degraded rangelands

Recent Publications

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.

Hacker R, McLeod S, Druhan J, Tenhumberg B and Pradhan U (2004) Kangaroo management options in the Murray-Darling Basin. Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. ISBN 1 876830 70 0. 58pp.

Hacker RB (2004) Policy contributions to environmental risk management – matching policy to the rangeland environment. Invited paper. Australian Rangeland Society 13th Biennial Conference, Living in the Outback. Conference papers, pp 53-58.

Hacker RB and McLeod SR (2003) Living with Kangaroos. A guide to kangaroos and their management in the Murray-Darling Basin. ISBN 0 7347 1505 6. NSW Agriculture. 44pp.

Hodgkinson KC, Hacker RB and Grice AC (2002) Synthesis: New Visions and Prospects for Rangelands. In Global Rangelands: Progress and Prospects (Eds A C Grice and K C Hodgkinson).  ISBN 0 85199 523 3. CABI Publishing.

Hacker RB, Constable MR and Melville GJ (2002). A step-point transect technique for estimation of kangaroo populations in sheep-grazed paddocks. The Rangeland Journal 24:326-39.

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

Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)

Keyword/phrase list of research interests

• Rangeland ecology
• Rangeland management
• Farming systems

Contact details