When there is a problem at the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in the Riverina, there is one person, who can be relied upon to fix it: Deb Slinger.
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The director of NSW DPI Southern Cropping Systems and Institute Director is well-known for her resourcefulness and innovation when it comes to managing the challenges of a 180-strong team employed in the glasshouses, research trial sites and laboratories within the 900-hectare Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute complex.
GRDC Northern Region Panel Chair John Minogue presenting the coveted 2019 Recognising and Rewarding Excellence award to NSW DPI Wagga Agricultural Institute director Deb Slinger today. Photo GRDC
Ms Slinger is equally well-regarded by the southern NSW farming sector, where she has spent the past 25 years effectively communicating the results of scientific research to those working in the paddock.
It is these qualities, along with her ability to nurture successful, longstanding partnerships with key industry organisations, which have earned her the coveted Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) 2019 Recognising and Rewarding Excellence Award.
Ms Slinger was presented with the award at the GRDC Grains Research Update in Wagga Wagga today (February 19).
The annual award celebrates the grains sector’s most committed scientists, offering them an international travel bursary, which can be used to extend their professional networks and conduct collaborative research for the benefit of the wider grains industry.
GRDC Northern Region Panel Chair John Minogue described Ms Slinger as an outstanding industry leader with a proven track record in delivering useful, relevant information to growers, working with scientists and technical staff to develop and manage research projects and mentoring young scientists.
“Ms Slinger has an exceptional ability to deliver practical information to growers that can help improve their farming systems. She is also widely respected as a problem solver and an innovative, forward-thinking leader when it comes to managing research projects,” Mr Minogue said.
“At the same time, her contribution to the future capacity of our industry can’t be underestimated – a number of researchers started their careers under her mentorship and she continues to be passionate about building agriculture’s research capacity.”
He said Ms Slinger was also highly regarded for her commitment to delivering results from quality research to growers in ways they could understand, appreciate and apply at paddock level.
“Those who work alongside Deb, or come to her for farm-ready information, are invariably impressed by the scale and depth of her knowledge when it comes to research trials and results,” Mr Minogue said.
“She has an enviable handle on her team’s projects, whether it’s the latest information on agronomic practices, germplasm development, crop protection, weed science or natural resource management.
“Deb also understands the need for effective communication and has worked tirelessly to ensure her researchers have the skills and capacity to effectively deliver information and advice to growers and their advisers.”
It is hardly surprising Ms Slinger is an effective communicator. She started her working life as an educator, teaching senior school agriculture and science after graduating from what was then the Wagga Agricultural College.
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From there she joined the Soil Conservation Service as a regional education officer, before being promoted to executive officer of the Murrumbidgee River Management Committee and later the Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Board.
In 2001, she joined the Department of Agriculture as its salinity team leader and for the next six years managed the Natural Resources Advisory Services Unit, which provided advice to growers, agribusiness, government and urban clients on soil, water, climate, forestry, salinity and irrigation management.
She then completed a Masters in Applied Science (Agriculture) degree. To date her, career highlights include the annual compilation of the Southern Research Results book, six regional focused Glovebox Guide to Salinity Managementand EverTrain, an e-learning program for the Future Farm Industries Cooperative Research Centre.
Today as director of NSW DPI Southern Cropping Systems and with the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute under her stewardship Ms Slinger is dedicated to improving the profitability and sustainability of agriculture in southern NSW through industry-driven research, extension and regulatory services.
“I am really honoured to accept this award from the GRDC and do so on behalf of my team,” Ms Slinger said.
“The GRDC has been a pivotal and supportive partner with NSW DPI in rising to the challenge of maintaining high level, quality research that benefits our farming community.
“Together, we are focused on industry-driven research and extension, which improves the profitability and competitiveness of mixed farming systems, protects the natural resource base and assists growers to adapt to climate variability.”
Ms Slinger said modern research was an integral part of farming businesses and needed the backing of organisations, such as the GRDC, to help grain growers improve crop productivity and profitability through refined farming systems, soil and nutrition, and land management.
“I’ve yet to decide exactly how I will use this GRDC bursary, but I believe networking and sharing knowledge at a research level is a vital part of ensuring we continue to deliver responsive and relevant information to grain growers.”