CROPPING industry heavyweight James Nuttall has signed on with Birchip Cropping Group as its senior research scientist.
Dr Nuttall brings more than three decades of cutting edge industry experience in soil science and grains agronomy to the role.
Announcing the appointment, BCG chief executive Fiona Best said adding Dr Nuttall to the team at the peak industry research organisation has “significantly strengthened” the organisation’s scientific leadership and the depth of its research capability across northwest Victoria.
She said Dr Nuttall not only brings his rock-solid track record to BCG, but he also has an unparalleled record of delivering large-scale research programs in collaboration with industry, government, grower groups and universities.
Most recently, that has been while serving as senior research scientist at Agriculture Victoria in Horsham.
Dr Nuttall has also led state and national programs focused on crop adaptation, nutrient efficiency, frost and heat tolerance, and summer cropping opportunities for Victorian grain growers.
“We could not be more pleased to welcome him to the team,” Ms Best said.
“His proven ability to deliver high-quality research, mentor emerging scientists, and drive collaborative, grower-focused outcomes adds significant scientific power to BCG.
“His appointment reflects our commitment to investing in capability that delivers value to growers on the ground.”
In addition to his leadership in grains research, Dr Nuttall has supervised numerous PhD students and is recognised for his passion for mentoring and building capability in the agricultural sector.
Ms Best said his appointment underwrites BCG’s strategic direction to remain at the forefront of agricultural innovation and extension, delivering credible, science-based insights that make a real difference to farm businesses.
“Known for his frank and fair approach, Dr Nuttall combines academic rigour with practical insight and hands-on problem-solving – attributes which align perfectly with BCG’s grower-led mission,” Ms Best added.
“Dr Nuttall started with BCG on June 30 and is already working closely with the research team to develop and deliver programs which drive long-term prosperity for growers across the region.”
Dr Nuttall received a B.Sc in geology, post-graduate degree in soil science, and Ph.D in agricultural science from the University of Melbourne.
From 2002 to 2003, he was a research scientist with the CSIRO, in its plant industry at Black Mountain in Canberra.
From the next seven years, he was a research scientist with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries at Horsham, before transitioning into a variety of senior research roles within the department.
Dr Nuttall has also investigated the impact of heatwaves on wheat production and has been a Ph.D supervisor of work determining if there are genetic solutions to heat shock tolerance in lentils.
His research interests include soil physicochemical constraints to crop growth in semiarid environments, climate change studies on crop production, and crop modelling in southern Australia.
