Australia
February 24, 2015

Respected barley researcher Blakely Paynter is the 2015 Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) western region Seed of Light award winner.

Mr Paynter was presented with the award – made annually to someone who makes a significant contribution to communicating the outcomes of grains research – today (editors: Tuesday, February 24) at Perth’s Agribusiness Crop Updates, hosted by the GRDC and the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA).

Based in Northam, Mr Paynter is a senior research officer at DAFWA and has worked for the department since 1988. He is a major contributor to Western Australia’s barley industry, which is worth about $800 million per year.

Currently, Mr Paynter is the lead researcher of a five-year GRDC funded project in which he develops technical information on new barley cultivar performance, data to support barley grower profitability, and decision-making tools for growers, breeders and others in the barley supply chain.

He is also an executive member of the Grain Industry Association of WA Barley Council.

GRDC western regional panel chairman Peter Roberts, who presented the Seed of Light award, said Mr Paynter was highly respected by barley growers and others in the barley supply chain for the quality of his research and communication skills.

“Blakely is a meticulous researcher who pays attention to detail,” Mr Roberts said.

“He is strong at planning and understanding the bigger picture, and its consequences on the barley industry.”

Mr Roberts said Mr Paynter had developed strong networks with growers and others involved in the barley industry not only in WA, but across Australia and internationally.

“Blakely is collaborative and cooperative – he is a very good listener and takes feedback on board – and makes himself available to growers and others in the industry across a wide geographical area,” Mr Roberts said.

“He has also adopted modern communication techniques and is a regular user of Twitter (@BlakelyPaynter).

“Blakely is an excellent role model for other researchers.”

Mr Paynter has a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) and Master of Science (Agriculture) from The University of WA.

Previous GRDC western region Seed of Light winners include Ben Biddulph, Jeremy Lemon, Owen Grieve, Geoff Fosbery, Stephen Powles, Bill Bowden, Peter Newman, Peter Mangano, Bill Crabtree, Cameron Weeks, Peter Nelson, Ros Jettner, Vanessa Stewart, Rob Loughman and Fran Hoyle.

Details of GRDC Seed of Light winners can be found at www.grdc.com.au/seedoflight

The Agribusiness Crop Updates, hosted by the GRDC and the DAFWA, is being held at Crown Perth on February 24 and 25.

Picture: GRDC western region Seed of Light award winner Blakely Paynter, left, of DAFWA, receives his award from GRDC western regional panel chairman Peter Roberts

Website: http://www.grdc.com.au

Published: February 24, 2015