An internationally recognised research leader, who is also one of Australia’s leading agricultural engineers, has been appointed to the position of General Manager of Applied Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) with GRDC.

Professor Craig Baillie will step away from his role as the University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) first Head of School and Dean for Agriculture and Environmental Science to take up the full-time position with GRDC in early June.

In announcing the appointment, GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart says the Toowoomba-based research leader would bring more than 20 years’ experience in applied research, agricultural technology and commercialisation to GRDC.

“Craig is recognised and respected within Australia and globally for his achievements as a researcher, as well as his experience as an academic leader and we are really pleased to have him joining GRDC,” Mr Hart says.

“He is one of those specialists who understands the issues and the language of growers, has the agricultural engineering research capability to develop the science, as well as the business acumen to take technology to commercial development.

“Craig is probably best known for leading the UniSQ research team that developed the vision-based precision spray technology incorporated into See & Spray™ Select that is now in use commercially by John Deere.

Internationally recognised research leader and agricultural engineer, Professor Craig Baillie will join GRDC as the new General Manager of Applied Research, Development and Extension in June. Photo UniSQ

“This innovative system uses integrated camera technology to rapidly detect green plants within fallow ground and automatically triggers an application of herbicide. It has made a fundamental difference for grain growers and is an incredible example of science research collaboration with commercial partners.”

Professor Baillie has been the University of Southern Queensland’s Head of School and Dean for Agriculture and Environmental Science since 2022. Prior to this he was the university’s Deputy Executive Director of the Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences and Director of the Centre for Agricultural Engineering.

His formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Engineering and a Research Master of Engineering. During his career he has focused on precision agriculture, energy conservation and irrigation modernisation, which has earned him several major accolades, including the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award.

Professor Baillie was raised on a cotton property in Central Queensland and credits his childhood with fuelling his ongoing passion for agriculture and his dedication to improving farming systems.

“I am really looking forward to joining the GRDC Executive team and I am confident in that role I can continue to make a difference for Australian agriculture,” he says.

“GRDC is the national leader in RD&E investment, and I am keen to be part of an organisation that invests so significantly in research and is supporting the science behind critical ag technology developments.

“Growing up in Emerald, I understand first-hand the need for improved farming technologies. I believe that ag tech is the way of the future for Australian agriculture, whether it’s driverless tractors or automated irrigation and it is one of the most important areas we can invest in for farmers.”

Professor Baillie, who will be based in GRDC’s Toowoomba office, replaces Dr Peter Carberry who retires in May after four years as GRDC’s General Manager of Applied R&D.