Mr Ghazwan Al Yaseri (DPIRD), Dr Diana Martino (Buck Semillas wheat breeder), Dr Brenton Leske (DPIRD). Photo: DPIRD
At the prestigious National Agronomy Awards research scientist Dr Brenton Leske, originally from Cascade, was recognised with the Young Agronomist Award 2024.
Dr Leske has spent 10 years in focussed research into the economically critical subject of frost impact in cereals and overcoming its negative consequences.
Australian Society of Agronomy president Ben Biddulph said Dr Leske was a shining example of how up and coming researchers could have significant impacts on Australian agronomy.
“Brenton has developed from a junior researcher to a position where he now leads DPIRD’s frost research investment in the process overseeing the setting of priorities, adapting the research strategy, securing project funding and managing the resulting project initiatives,” Dr Biddulph said.
“He now plays a key role in national industry-funded research projects to improve the agronomy, genetic resources and risk management of frost for Australian grain growers.”
As part of Dr Leske’s award, he receives a $5000 grant to attend the 2024 ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
The focus of the conference is “AI innovations for a changing climate”.
While in the United States he also plans to meet several leading University Researchers.
DPIRD deputy director general Cec McConnell said she was proud of Dr Leske’s contributions.
“Brenton has established himself as a leader in frost research as part of DPIRD’s genetic improvement team, working alongside growers and R&D partners,” she said.
“He was also one of the inaugural recipients of the department’s Grains Research Scholarships.
“Our staff are highly regarded for their expertise and collaborative approach to research and development, which translates into meaningful gains that benefit growers and the broader grains industry.”
The awards were presented at the Australian Agronomy Conference last month in Albany.
