The award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to communicating the importance and relevance of research outcomes to the wider grains industry.

Mr Haskins is a well-known and widely respected figure in the NSW grains industry having worked as a direct agronomist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries for 10 years before establishing AgGrow Agronomy and Research – an independent agricultural consulting and research company in Griffith.

Mr Haskins was taken aback when he found out he had won.

“I didn't actually give it any thought,” he said.

“It’s an honour and pretty amazing to bring something like this back to Griffith.”

Mr Haskins was quick to point out the award is not just a recognition of the work he puts in but also of the team he is working with at AgGrow and the people he works with to deal with the issues which farmers face.

“It is amazing the quality of farmers in our area and the calibre they are trying to push,” he said.

“It drives us as advisers to help them get the best they can.”

GRDC northern panel chair John Minogue said Mr Haskins was a worthy award recipient having dedicated enormous time and effort over the years to communicate key research findings to both the grains industry and wider community.

“Barry is extremely passionate about agriculture and agricultural extension and that passion has seen him delivering knowledge and skills both within and outside his grower network,” Mr Minogue s

aid.