IOA 2022 Hector and Andrew Stewart Memorial Lecture by Ian McClelland

The UWA Institute of Agriculture’s 2022 Hector and Andrew Stewart Memorial Lecturer Ian McClelland will explore the topic ‘Australian Dryland Agriculture: The past, the present and challenges of the future’. All members of the public are invited to attend this free lecture at The University of Western Australia’s Bayliss Lecture Theatre on 12 October. Please arrive at 5pm for a 5.15pm start. Seats are limited, so registration via Eventbrite is essential. If you cannot attend in person, a full lecture recording will be shared on the IOA YouTube channel the following day.

About the lecture

It is important to recognise where we have come from as farmers, and celebrate our progress so far. Much has been achieved. Dryland farming was once about cultivation: there was no other way. Where are we now? Today, those old assumptions are long gone. Farmers have benefited greatly from science and technology. We have many new crops to plant, an advanced understanding of farming systems research, and can now make informed on-farm decisions based on history, data, weather forecasts and individual expertise.

Even so, the future poses many challenges, including the impact of climate change, and significant gap between potential and actual yields based on water-use efficiency. We need greater accountability than ever before. We need to be innovative, receptive to change and ready to approach from a different perspective. Farmers continue to believe in their role as food producers and remain committed to their chosen way of life.

About the lecturer

Our 2022 lecturer Ian McClelland was the inaugural chairman of Birchip Cropping Group (BCG), renowned as one of Australia’s leading farmer-owned research groups. In his roles as Chairman and Board member, Ian has represented BCG nationally and internationally. Ian and his family run a 8300 ha farm producing wheat, barley, canola, vetch, hay and lentils, and supporting merino sheep. He was the 2004 recipient of the GRDC Seed of Light Award. His interests lie in agricultural education and research, and he is dedicated to practical on-farm applications.

About the Hector and Andrew Stewart Memorial Lecture

This year marks the 28th Hector and Andrew Stewart Memorial Lecture. The inaugural event was held in 1966. The lecture is held in honour of the late Hon Hector J Stewart, MLC and his son, the late Mr Andrew M Stewart, both Wagin wool growers. Mr Stewart Jr was President of UWA’s Guild of Undergraduates in 1929 and twice Dean of UWA’s Faculty of Agriculture.