Prestigious Farrer Medal awarded to wheat breeder Professor Richard Trethowan

University of Sydney Professor Richard Trethowan has been honoured for decades of contribution to wheat breeding as a recipient of the prestigious Farrer Medal.

The accolade, named in honour of plant breeder William James Farrer, recognises distinguished service in agricultural science in Australia.

Prof Trethowan’s successful career started as a PhD student who partly completed his studies in Narrabri before embarking on international opportunities.

His research career would eventually come full circle as he returned to Narrabri to continue his contributions to research while supporting the next generation of plant breeders.

Prof Trethowan reflected on his time spent in Narrabri as well as the overall role of the Plant Breeding Institute.

“We have some wonderful research going on,” he said.

“It’s a great time to be part of wheat research.

“Technology has moved forward massively.”

As Farrer essentially established the wheat industry in Australia, Prof Trethowan said this acknowledgement had special significance.

“I have been a wheat breeder in Mexico, Victoria, Narrabri and now a wheat pre-breeder at The University of Sydney, and our research improves not only Australian wheat, but globally it contributes significantly to enhancing food security,” he said.

“I’m excited to continue to be involved in cutting edge research exploiting hybrid vigour to further increase productivity and yield potential by circumnavigating self-fertilisation, which will change how we breed and market wheat for Australia and the world.”

While speaking with The Courier from the university’s state-of-the-art Narrabri facility, Prof Trethowan discussed the centre’s ongoing renewal.

“We have a world-class facility here. We have a range of things happening.

“With this facility, we can take advantage of the advancements of the digital age.”

Prof Trethowan said the advanced nature of the Narrabri facility makes it an attractive place for new scientists.

“I have enjoyed seeing the growth of the Plant Breeding Institute as well as Narrabri itself as a town,” he said.

“The Wheat Research Foundation, the owner of the site, had the vision to build this facility.

“The future is looking really good.”

Prof Trethowan has particularly enjoyed seeing the impacts of his work span years. A targeted program which has been running for almost 20 years is a prime example of Prof Trethowan’s work having a long-term gain.

“In my years working outside Australia, that work has filtered back into the country,” he said.

A stand-out moment in his research career is a more recent achievement – a foray into hybrid wheat.

“We are talking about a game changer,” he said.

Seeing the first varieties of a program released were also special moments, he said.

Prof Trethowan, who will be presented with the medal at a ceremony in Sydney on November 16, joins a list of distinguished individuals including Narrabri’s own Dr Lindsay O’Brien.

“It’s an honour be in that company,” Prof Trethowan said.

Following the Farrer Medal announcement, leading agricultural identities acknowledged Prof Trethowan’s many achievements.

Chair of the Farrer Memorial Trust and NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) director general Scott Hansen announced Prof Trethowan as the recipient of the 2022 Farrer Memorial Medal.

“Professor Trethowan is a well-deserved recipient of the Farrer Memorial Medal,” Mr Hansen said.

“His contribution to wheat genetic improvement has and continues to benefit the Australian and global industry, while his contribution to the education and guidance of students and early career researchers in Australia and around the world is significant.

“Professor Trethowan has supervised 19 successful PhD completions at The University of Sydney, with seven more post-graduate students currently under supervision.

“His research benefits not only NSW and Australia but has made real impacts on the global pursuit of food security.”

Director of The Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Professor Brent Kaiser nominated Professor Trethowan for the medal.

“Richard is a living legend in the grains industry, a world-leading plant breeder,” said Prof Kaiser.

“Developing cultivars for agriculture is the chief measure of impact for a plant breeder. 45 wheat cultivars have been directly released to farmers from Richard’s research across 13 countries.

“In addition, more than 150 wheat cultivars have been released globally containing one or more parents from his research, including genetic improvement for drought tolerance.

“The net contribution to global food production is immense and highlights the impact and importance of the work Richard carries out,” said Professor Kaiser.

The Farrer Memorial Trust was established in 1911 to perpetuate the memory of William James Farrer, one of the pioneers of agricultural research in Australia, and the Farrer Memorial Medal is awarded annually to provide encouragement and inspiration to those engaged in agricultural science.

The medalist is chosen by trustees of the Farrer Memorial Research Scholarship Fund each year from the ranks of those persons who have rendered distinguished service in agricultural science in Australia in the fields of research, education, or administration.