FARMERS mean a lot to 62nd Agriculture Hall of Fame inductee and Nedlands agriculture scientist Alan Robson (73).
“I enjoyed the interaction with the farming community because they gave you constant feedback,” Prof Robson said.
WA Governor Kerry Sanderson presented the award at the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Showground in Claremont yesterday .
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READ NOWProf Robson, a former University of WA vice-chancellor, was recognised by the RAS for studying the mineral nutrition of plants and soil fertility, and for his service WA and national agriculture overall, including chairing the Grain Legume Research and Development Corporation.
His work since starting his Phd at the university in 1966, and mentoring many post-graduates, developed tests for copper deficiency in wheat.
His legume research looked at the link between plant nutrition and nitrogen fixing.
“The most significant thing was the people and mixing with the students I taught and the influence I had,” Prof Robson said.
The 63rd inductee was pioneering Boyup farmer Eric Farleigh whose use of the most modern methods from 1924 established others in his district.
After he died in 1988 his farm was handed to the local council where it is now a free community activities centre, conducting shearing schools, sheep and careers camps and the Storm in a Teacup Women’s Day.
“As an advocate of sharing ideas and successes, along with techniques to other farmers, Mr Farleigh hosted field days at his property with as many as 300 visitors coming as far afield as Perth and Harvey on one occasion in 1953,” RAS president Paul Carter said.
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