Archive for category: Frontpage Article

Today we welcome Mr Bill Burgess to our team, commencing in the role of Technical Programs Manager.

Born and bred South Australian, Bill and his family have settled down in the Barossa Valley.

Bill has a broad agricultural background of Cropping and Livestock, but most recently 5 years with a marketing and sales roles with Croplands Equipment.

Bill says “I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and extending my network whilst facilitating the real world uptake on Precision Ag technical and management systems. I’m keen to try and bring value to as many different Ag sectors as possible and am proud to be working with Australian farmers.”

In his spare time, Bill volunteers as a councillor for the National Grains and Fodder Committee based at the Adelaide Show and in the warmer months can often be found on the River water skiing with friends and family.

To get in touch with Bill, contact him via email on bill@spaa.com.au or phone 0400 279 969.

Dr Robert Bramley, a researcher with CSIRO from Adelaide, SA has been announced as the recipient of the SPAA Life membership award.

Dr Bramley is highly respected in Australia and overseas for the research he has, and continues to undertake within the field of Precision Agriculture. His research work spans over 20 years and the contribution he has made to winegrape and sugarcane production is best described as ‘pioneering’. He has published many articles in peer-reviewed journals and in popular industry magazines, including SPAA’s own quarterly magazine Precision Ag News. Rob has presented at numerous SPAA symposia and expos, as well as SPAA-initiated field days.

Nicole Dimos, SPAA Executive Officer said “He has willingly shared his views and time, and with the respect he holds amongst his peers and SPAA members, has helped to promote SPAA as a credible, professional organisation”.

Dr Bramley was a founding SPAA committee member in 2002 and continued as a committee member until 2009. Within that time he was actively engaged at meetings and in all lines on communication.

Dr Bramley continues to be an active member of the SPAA Editorial committee.. His knowledge and critique of articles has ensured that published information is of a high standard and accurate in detail.

Dr Bramley was recognised at the 21^st PA Symposium held this week in Adelaide. Former SPAA president Mr Mark Branson, who worked alongside Dr Bramley on the SPAA committee, presented the award. Mr Branson said, “Rob is a deserving recipient for the award, and was overwhelmingly nominated by fellow precision agriculture members and supporters”. The award recognises individuals who have demonstrated a remarkable and ongoing commitment to SPAA, which has enhanced its standing within its membership and the wider community, and a commitment that does not seek personal reward.

Dr Bramley receives a life membership to SPAA and a plaque to commemorate his achievements.

Attending the 21st PA Symposium, Dr Bramley said “I am humbled and honoured to have been nominated and to receive such a significant award. To me, this award celebrates the great partnerships that SPAA has formed with its members and stakeholders. What I’m most pleased about is the way my research team has used learnings about PA in one agricultural sector to inspire advances in another, which is exactly what SPAA also promotes.”