University of Sydney Professor Richard Trethowan was presented with the prestigious Farrer Medal at a ceremony held in Sydney last Thursday.
Prof Trethowan was joined by colleagues from Narrabri for the special occasion.
The medal is named in honour of one of the pioneers of agricultural research in Australia, William James Farrer, and recognises distinguished service in agricultural science in Australia.
The medallist 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.
Professor Trethowan’s distinguished career commenced as a PhD student, with part of his studies conducted in Narrabri, before venturing into international opportunities.
Returning to Narrabri later in his career, he continued his impactful research while nurturing the next generation of plant breeders.
Professor Trethowan said he was honoured to be the 2022 recipient and acknowledged the significance of receiving a medal named after William Farrer.
“I am a wheat breeder and have been for most of my career,” Prof Trethowan said.
“As William Farrer essentially established the wheat industry in Australia, this acknowledgement has special significance for me.
“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. 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.”
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