GRDC/DPI Capacity Building

“The capacity building project has allowed me to grow my understanding of the northern farming systems, gain linkages with a range of highly skilled researchers and better understand the issues and constraints grain growers face”.

Mathew Dunn is part of the capacity building project, which is a joint partnership between GRDC and NSW DPI. The project’s primary objective is to build research capacity for the grains industry and grain growers of NSW. The project looks to invest in young researchers today, so they are well prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Mat was drawn to agriculture due to the diverse range of opportunities and the potential to make a meaningful contribution to an industry of such importance.

“It may not always seem like it from the outside, but agriculture is a modern, progressive industry that continually evolves with the latest developments in science and technology. It was because of this that I have ended up working in agriculture research”.

Mat grew up in the Riverina and spending many a weekend at his grandparent’s farm, where his interest in farming grew. This led him to peruse further education in agriculture. In 2015 he graduated with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) from Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga.

What did you do before the capacity building position came up?

Following his graduation in 2015, Mat began working for NSW DPI at Yanco in southern NSW, primarily in soybean agronomy and breeding research.

Why do you like working for DPI?

“I thoroughly enjoy working for NSW DPI, it provides me a great platform to conduct relevant and meaningful independent agricultural research while contributing to the future of our great state”.

What skills have you developed because of the capacity building project?

It is not just development on the scientific front that has been an outcome of the capacity building project for Mat, but an improvement in his ‘soft skills’ as well.

“In particular, I have made good progress on my communication skills through working with a range of diverse and unique teams. Other areas that have been developed include, research idea development, project management, problem solving, teamwork, data analysis, data interpretation and report writing skills”.

How has the capacity building project set you up for future advancement in your career and research?

“The capacity building project has allowed me to grow my understanding of the northern farming systems, gain linkages with a range of highly skilled researchers and better understand the issues and constraints grain growers face”.

What are the main things you have learnt?

Key learnings for Mat really capture the essence of this project, whose vision is to development of capacity and skills of the individual.

“This project has reinforced some key lessons for me that I find more important now than ever. These include always treating people with respect, acting fair and equitable and valuing hard work and commitment”.

How will your research help farmers in the field? How will it bring about practice change on a farm level?

Mat’s research is focused on increasing the productivity and reliability of mungbeans in the northern farming system through improved nitrogen (N) management.

“By gaining a better understanding of the interaction between soil mineral N concentration, N fixation and N fertiliser applications, we are aiming to develop industry recommendations that will prevent N limited yield loss while avoiding excessive N fertiliser applications in mungbean crops”.

Mat believes that grower interaction and extension are key to ensuring his message gets out there. That his research remains relevant to farmers and results in positive practice change in the industry. Mat has shared these results in numerous grower extension forums, including GRDC updates, field days and mungbean roadshows.

What are the consequences to the larger community?

“Any agricultural research that boosts long term agricultural productivity provides significant economic stimulus to local communities. The additional farm income from productivity improvements is often largely spent in local communities”.

What collaborations have you developed because of the project?

Because of the capacity building project, Mat has developed a range of collaborations, both internally within NSW DPI and with external, like minded researchers across the country.

“I have developed a number of new linkages with both industry and other researchers that have allowed me to further advance my knowledge, skills and capacity. These linkages include highly skilled and experienced researchers from QDAF, CSIRO and NSW DPI”.

What areas in current research have you identified that would benefit from further investigation?

“Mungbeans in the Australians northern growing region are still considered a relatively risky and unreliable crop to grow. I believe there is definably potential for improvement through continued agronomy, physiology and breeding research”.

What do you do when you’re not looking down a microscope or frolicking in the paddock?

When Mat’s not at work, he likes to spend time with friends and family, keep active and spend time on hobbies.