Mr
Ian Guthridge
Research Station Manager
My role in the department
Ian has been manager of the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute since 2007, overseeing the facility’s technical service delivery teams. The research station hosts several projects designed to boost industry transformation and economic growth, including research on horticultural insect pests, disease resistance in wheat and various other programs focusing on apples, plums, blueberries, cereals, pastures, viticulture and truffles.
Catering for such a diverse range of research projects, requires precise and insightful leadership to ensure the needs of both the projects and the staff involved are met.
Ian also plays an important role in local agricultural emergency management situations as a member of the Department’s regional emergency management first response team, regularly providing support in fire emergency situations.
My background
Ian commenced as a casual in university holidays, which ignited his passion towards a career in the agricultural sector. Commencing as a technical officer, Ian worked on fruit, vegetable, pasture and grains research projects.
As his career progressed, Ian’s experience extended to beef and dairy projects, focusing on pasture utilisation and pasture nutrition.
As a farmer himself, Ian values working with producers to implement research findings into ‘real’ farm environments which either solve problems or lead to a more profitable enterprise.
His management career, whilst still based on strong technical skills, is now more focused on leadership and resource management of a diverse team at the research institute.
Projects
- Management of apple and viticulture germplasm collections
- Crop and pasture genetic resource, disease screening, multiplication, and evaluation
- Emergency response (agriculture focused)
Key Expertise
Horticultural and broad area trial design and implementation, financial and human resource management, irrigated crop production, staff leadership, coaching and mentoring, promoting agriculture in the community
Qualifications
- Dip in Project Management, Central Institute of Technology
- Dip in Agriculture, Farm Information Services
- Dip in Public Safety (Biosecurity Response Management), NSW Department of Primary Industries
My articles
Thursday, 8 February 2024 - 9:23am
Tuesday, 7 May 2024 - 12:01pm
Wednesday, 22 November 2023 - 11:41am
Friday, 8 September 2023 - 11:47am