The inaugral Australian Scientific Symposium on Legumes was held on the 8th of February 2012 in Melbourne, VictoriaFor more information on this an other events, please see the events page. |
Pasture Innovations Research Project
The pasture innovations research project will effectively deliver a regular, structured, broad based review of the main components of the pasture industry and assist greatly with improving growth and development rates of pasture based industries. This inaugural symposium focussing on legume research will be pivotal in setting the research agenda for the medium to long term as well as providing a forum for the scientific community to discuss and put forward ideas and concepts aimed at potentially generating the next quantum leap in industry.
Grassland Symposium To Host US Expert
by Rick BayneA leading American researcher in forage breeding and genetics will head the line-up of speakers at a national symposium looking into the future of Australian forage legume research.
Professor Joe Bouton, a senior professor with the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, will speak at the Australian Grassland Association's symposium in Melbourne on February 8 and 9, 2012.
The symposium will be held at the William Angliss Institute of TAFE conference centre on February 8 and 9 and is hosted by the newly formed Australian Grassland Association, a joint initiative of the Grassland Society of Southern Australia and Grassland Society of NSW.
Professor Bouton conducts breeding and genetics research on temperate forage species for use in the pasture and livestock systems throughout southern USA.
He has commercialised 17 cultivars, but is best known for releasing 'Alfagraze' alfalfa, "MaxQ" tall fescue, and 'Durana' and 'Patriot' white clovers.
The main forage species currently under investigation are alfalfa, white clover, and red clover.
Professor Bouton is also developing adaptive, high yielding switchgrass cultivars for use as a dedicated energy crop for cellulosic ethanol production.
Professor Bouton was named the 1995 Man of the Year in Service to Southeastern Agriculture by Progressive Farmer Magazine and the 2010 Massengale Lecturer at the Crop Science Society of America annual meetings. He was named the 1993 Inventor of the Year by the University of Georgia Research Foundation, he won the 1994 Richard R. Hill Achievement Award at the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference, received the 2002 Creative Research Medal from the University of Georgia, and the 2003 Carl Sprengel Research Award by the American Society of Agronomy.
Based in Oklahoma and founded in 1945, the Noble Foundation is recognised as one of the USA's leading research facilities. It conducts plant science research and agricultural programs to enhance agricultural productivity regionally, nationally and internationally.
Agricultural consultation encourages land stewardship and assists agricultural producers.
While in Australia Professor Bouton will also speak at field days for Wrightson Seeds on February 6 and 7.
Australian Grassland Association Executive Officer Clare de Kok said the symposium would discuss current legume research to address gaps in cropping and permanent pasture zones.
"Professor Bouton is a world leader in his field and his advice will be of great benefit for the Australian agricultural and scientific community."