Malcolm Lynch named winner of 2020 David Roget Award for Excellence
Photo: (L-R) MSF Executive Chair Daniel Linklater, Dr Anne Webster MP, Malcolm Lynch
Mallee Sustainable Farming is proud to announce Millewa (Victoria) farmer Malcolm Lynch the 2020 winner of the David Roget award for Excellence. Malcolm was presented with the prestigious award at the recent MSF Mallee Research Update held at the Lake Cullulleraine Yacht Club in February, by Federal Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster. Malcolm was one of three nominees for the award this year and was selected unanimously by the selection committee for his investment in innovative solutions to diversify and strengthen his mixed farming enterprise, his commitment to good grazing management and soil stewardship, and his positive mindset and mentoring of others in his community during the recent challenging seasons.
The David Roget Award for Excellence was created by Mallee Sustainable Farming in 2014 in memory of the late David Roget who worked with the CSIRO for over 30 years as a Sustainable Ecosystems Researcher. As far back as 1997 David Roget and a number of significant Mallee growers developed an initiative to encourage the uptake of no-till farming and continuous cropping in the Mallee – to improve grain production and simultaneously reduce the loss of top soil. Thus, Mallee Sustainable Farming was formed. “David’s work has left a lasting legacy on low rainfall farming systems which is evident in improved farming practices adopted across the Mallee in Victoria, SA and NSW” said Mr Daniel Linklater, Executive Chair of Mallee Sustainable Farming. The award recognises an individual, business or group who has made a significant contribution to dryland farming production systems in the Mallee Sustainable Farming region. “At Mallee Sustainable Farming we believe Malcolm Lynch is an excellent candidate for the award given that he has diversified and strengthened his mixed farming enterprise during a time of extreme challenge, whilst maintaining a strong focus on conservation farming principles” said Mr Linklater. Mr Lynch thanked MSF and said he was humbled by the recognition.
The calibre of nominations received each year is high and MSF will continue to recognise outstanding individuals, groups and businesses through this award into the future. The next call for the 2021 award will open at the end of 2020.
