Department of Agriculture Barley Industry Development Officer, Ros Jettner, has been publicly recognised by the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) for creatively and professionally extending barley management packages to WA growers.

At the GRDC supported Agribusiness Crop Updates in Perth on Thursday, February 20 she accepted the Seed of Light award (a work of art in glass), which acknowledges excellence in research communication.

Presenting the award, GRDC Executive Manager, Product and Service Delivery, Jan Mahoney, said Ms Jettner had in the past five years ensured barley growers were regularly and accurately informed of the latest crop husbandry, leaf disease management and harvest management systems.

"Importantly, Ros always extends that research on behalf of the Department’s barley team, against a background of what will best help growers maximise their returns.

"With this in mind, she works closely with the Western Malting Barley Council, a fast track breeding program comprising the GRDC, the Department and commercial partners, including the Grain Pool, Joe White Maltings, Kirin Australia, Barrett Burston, Swan Brewery and Carlton and United Brewery.

"Provisional malting varieties, Baudin and Hamelin, released late last year, are the first varieties emerging from the Council. Malting markets account for two thirds of WA’s barley production.

"Besides agronomic, disease and pest considerations, new barleys must satisfy 35 other quality traits to qualify for malting, underlining the challenge Ros faces as she works collaboratively through such issues with growers and industry," Dr Mahoney said.