He has spent the greater part of his life at Rothamsted Research in Herfordshire UK that dates back to 1843 and knows the importance of continued research. This view was further reinforced when he was given a tour of the facility by research agronomist Carol Harris and district agronomist Jeff Lowien.

“It has further shown that it is a valuable asset to the farming community and is unique in both climatic and agricultural research. To replace it would take another 90 years,” he said.

“I am very happy to see it stay open; it is a wise decision to do so.”

Dr Webster was given an insight into the major research projects currently being conducted at the facility. This included the crop rotation that dates back to 1921 and is the longest running experiment in the summer rainfall region in Australia.

The Rothamsted Research station also places great focus on crop production and soil quality and Dr Webster said seeing the Glen Innes station has shown such research is possible in different environments.

“The aims of both facilities are similar and they have shown that it is practicable and successful. It reinforces our own experience in a different environment,” he said.

“The determination of the research staff to continue the work just shows how important they see it to be.”