Mallee Sustainable Farming strengthens team with new appointments
The Mallee Sustainable Farming team have been bolstered with the recent appointment of Dr Jay Cummins who will provide expertise and support in the delivery of MSF’s on-farm research and extension initiatives.
In making the announcement, Mallee Sustainable Farming Board Chairperson Nicole Byrnes welcomed the appointment of Jay to this role.
“MSF has achieved significant growth in attracting new project funding in recent months that will allow us to address the research and extension needs of Mallee farmers,” according to Nicole.
“It’s great for us to have additional support through the appointment of Jay, who incidentally began his career as an agronomist at Lameroo and so is no stranger to the Mallee”, said Nicole.
Jay brings to the team global experience in developing sustainable cropping systems at the farmer group level through his work in agricultural extension research and development across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
The Mallee Sustainable Farming team now have a full complement of team members supporting on-farm research, communications, and extension initiatives. This includes the recent appointment of Kylie Matthewson as the MSF Extension Officer (based at Tailem Bend) whilst Tanja Morgan will now provide support in project delivery whilst spearheading new communications and extension initiatives.
“We are very pleased to appoint Jay to this new role as he brings a wealth of experience, project management and engagement skills that will provide a dynamic fresh perspective to the organisation” Nicole said.
“Importantly, Jay’s enthusiasm and passion for agriculture is contagious. We are very much looking forward to him leading new projects, developing practical, innovative solutions to help farmers build profitable businesses across the tri-state Mallee region” she added.
On accepting the role, Jay said that there has never been a better time to be in agriculture. “I’m excited to be continuing the great work of MSF in bringing relevant research to the region.”
“In particular I look forward to growing existing partnerships and creating new opportunities and networks for MSF members and project partners” said Jay.
According to Jay it is critical that the Mallee region continues to lead in grains and mixed farming research and innovation. “It’s amazing the advances in sustainable and profitable productivity that has been achieved by Mallee farmers since the inception of MSF; and the challenge is to accelerate this trajectory” he added.
For more information please contact MSF Communications & Engagement Manager Tanja Morgan, 0429 395 918 or tanja.morgan@msfp.org.au