Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Penny Roberts as its new Research Manager and through the new position, anticipate fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will further drive sustainability and progress in the farming practices of the Mallee region.
Steve Burt, Chair of MSF, expressed his excitement about Penny’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Penny Roberts to MSF. Her remarkable achievements at South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and her commitment to advancing agricultural research, align seamlessly with our mission. We believe Penny’s insights and innovative approach will significantly contribute to our efforts in advancing sustainable farming practices in the Mallee region”.
Dr Roberts joins MSF from the Clare Research Centre for SARDI, where she served as Senior Research Agronomist since 2017. Dr Roberts was also awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship in 2022 to undertake international studies to upskill research and development providers in Australia’s emerging pulse protein sector.
Dr Roberts, incoming Research Manager at MSF, commented, “I am delighted to join MSF, an organisation at the forefront of sustainable farming initiatives. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and contributing to the ongoing success of MSF’s mission”.
Jenny Garonne, Managing Director, MSF commented “MSF has an increased focus on developing the research capability in the Mallee. The appointment of Dr Roberts will complement the expertise already provided by the three existing research practitioners engaged within MSF. With Dr Roberts joining the team, MSF will extend their capacity to offer professional research and extension to support the dryland farmers in the low rainfall areas to be more sustainable for the future”.
She further commented “MSF are currently working with partners including the Grain Research Development Corporation (GRDC), South Australia Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT), the Drought Hubs and the Agriculture Departments in each state and the Federal Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry’s Future Drought Fund through undertaking a wide range of research, development and extension projects. Specifically, projects focus on realising the full productive potential of Mallee farming systems through improving seeding systems performance, soils and crop agronomy and crop protection”.
