James Pratley has been recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia

CSU emeritus professor James Pratley, known as Jim, has been recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia for his work in agricultural science. 

“I grew up on a farm near Bathurst so I have not known any other lifestyle really,” he said. 

“The plan was for me to study and then go back onto the land, but the only glitch was the family sold it off while I was at university. I had to go with Plan B so academia was the path I chose.” 

Mr Pratley said people often dismiss agriculture, but it provides the foundation of Australia and a good quality of life. 

“One of the biggest things we found here was the first resistance to Roundup in weeds in 1995,” he said. 

“We did the first trial of GM canola in Australia and I was involved with conservation farming.”

Mr Pratley also helped develop one of the first agronomy textbooks that related to the Australian landscape. 

Finding out he would be receiving an AM, was overwhelming for Mr Pratley. 

“It’s not something you would expect is going to happen and it was very surreal and humbling,” he said. 

Mr Pratley said his work has been a part of the overall effort of many others who have been involved.

“From family to colleagues to grad students and farming communities,” he said. 

Mr Pratley said what he appreciates most about this award is that it highlights the field of agriculture.

“It’s all done by people who work long hours in rough conditions,” he said.

“Through droughts, climate change and whatever else comes with it.

“I don’t think agriculture gets the recognition that it deserves for the role it plays in the lives of Australians so it’s really nice to receive the reward on behalf of agriculture.” 

Mr Pratley said he will continue his work in the field for as long as possible.

“I would like to say thank you to all who have been involved,” he said. 

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