University of Sydney PhD researcher and educator, Yolanda Plowman, has been appointed BCG Senior Research Manager. With a doctoral thesis in agricultural microbiology and role as educator of microbiology and food security at the University of Sydney, Ms Plowman’s appointment is a boon for the region.
“Yolanda’s zeal and experience researching and extending sustainable agricultural solutions and opportunities to farmers and industry is why she is the right fit for BCG,” BCG CEO Ms Best said.
“Her ethos matches ours: to be driven by our famers, rigorously research opportunities and share solutions to ensure farmers across the nation are prosperous.”
Given the size and breadth of BCG’s research and extension reach—40 research sites with 148 trials across the Wimmera, Mallee, North Central—Ms Plowman’s extensive project management experience will ensure BCG’s national research program is in sound hands.
“Yolanda has managed projects from 2016 to 2022 with a broad range of topics from soil microbiology to grains research Her expertise in executing high quality research on time with a focus on achieving science based, practical outcomes for farmers will bolster BCG’s highly skilled and capable research and extension teams.”
Yolanda is a skilled communicator with guest appearances on the ABC’s Dr Karl and BBC Radio 5 show as well as an appearance on Gardening Australia’s Growing Knowledge series.
“The appointment of Yolanda to our team will further strengthen our already nationally recognised work ensuring we can deliver even greater solutions to our farmers, industry and the world. While Yolanda has big shoes to fill with former Senior Research Manager James Murray seeking new opportunities, we are confident and positive with her appointment and thank James for his nine dedicated years at BCG,” Ms Best said.
Ms Plowman is now calling Birchip home, having relocated with her husband and young daughter. Ms Plowman said the role with BCG provides the right opportunity to work more closely with farmers to further increase the impact of her research: “I want the research to be guided by farmer experience. It will be important to understand the opportunities and challenges, and then work collaboratively to design a research program that works towards providing solutions. I have immense respect for farmers, their innovation and resilience and I believe BCG is the best place to ensure the science effort is meeting the needs of those who live it every day,” Ms Plowman explained.
Ms Best noted that Ms Plowman will be one of a number of new additions to the BCG team who will further enhance BCG’s expanding program while also continuing to support the local community.
