General News
4 October, 2024
Remembering Professor Jim Kollmorgen: A Wimmera legacy in cropping research
Vale agriculture pioneer Professor Jim Kollmorgen 1945-2024.
Professor James Frederick Kollmorgen is being remembered for his remarkable professional legacy and his kindness, warmth, and devotion to those around him.
His influence lives on in the many students he mentored, the research he championed, and the collaborative spirit he fostered within the agricultural community.
Jim's impact on agriculture, education, and research, as well as the lives of those he touched, will never be forgotten.
Colleagues from the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture, Institute of Land and Food Resources and Joint Centre for Crop Improvement noted with sadness the passing of Professor Kollmorgen.
Jim, as the University knew him, was a valued member of the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry, and Horticulture and its institutes.
As a plant pathologist with the Victorian Department of Agriculture, he brought to the university a wealth of expertise and contacts that significantly enhanced the University's profile in dryland cropping research.
His Horsham base enabled seamless collaboration with the nearby Longerenong College, which was integrated with the University at the time.
"Jim encouraged a level of research activity that had not previously existed in this area, contributing to a vibrant and flourishing Faculty," Professor Lindsay Falvey, the university dean during the 1990s.
In recognition of his contributions, Jim was awarded the title of Professor in the late 1990s.
Professor Kollmorgen's professional legacy is best exemplified by his role as Director of the Joint Centre for Crop Improvement.
He fostered a culture of hands-on research and collaboration between academia and industry, training many of today's leaders in the grains industry.
The Centre brought together scientists, postgraduate students, and international visiting researchers, facilitating groundbreaking studies in dryland cropping and related areas.
It was an era when the Faculty established joint relationships with various state government facilities including Horsham, Hamilton, Tatura, Kyabram and Ellinbank.
"Jim was one of the Faculty's staunchest allies as we set out to establish formal relationships with researchers at each of those government research facilities," Professor Adrian Egan said.
Professor David Connor, Chairman of the JCCI Board, reflected on Jim's leadership.
"[He was] instrumental in ensuring the success of the JCCI," Professor Connor said.
"His dedication to mentoring graduate students and building bridges between the University and Agriculture Victoria was extraordinary."
Projects like the ACIAR-funded 'Improving the Productivity of Rice-Wheat Systems in Bangladesh' project stand as a testament to Professor Kollmorgen's ability to lead impactful research initiatives.
Professor Tim Reeves, a close colleague, described Jim as "ahead of his time" and praised his efforts in promoting collaboration and innovation in agricultural science.
"His establishment of the JCCI and his contributions to molecular biology within the Department of Agriculture were invaluable," Professor Reeves said.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim had a passion for Wiltshire Horn sheep, a breed known for its high fecundity and natural shedding of fleece.
Colleague Professor Brian Leury fondly recalled their informal chats about sheep production.
"Jim's enthusiasm for his sheep was infectious, and he generously shared data and photos that I often used in my lectures," he said.
Professor Robert White, Acting Dean in the early 1990s, recalled the establishment of the JCCI with Jim as its inaugural Director and the immediate fillip it provided for graduate student supervision and research.
"Jim was a real enthusiast for the centre," Professor Roger Cousens said, causing the number of postgraduate students to "rise to 15 or more at its zenith".
After retiring, Professor Kollmorgen remained active in his personal and professional life, running a bed-and-breakfast in Metung in Gippsland while maintaining ties with former colleagues and students.
Professor Paul Taylor, whom Jim recruited to the University in 1995, fondly remembers his last meeting with Jim in 2022.
"We reminisced about the JCCI and the careers of the graduates we worked with," he said.
"Without Jim's support, I would not have developed my career as I did."
Professor Kollmorgen's leadership was not confined to his directorial roles; he was vital in establishing formal partnerships between the University of Melbourne, the Victorian Department of Agriculture, and industry bodies.
His contributions were instrumental in boosting the University's research profile, particularly in dryland cropping.
One graduate researcher from the heyday of JCCI under Jim's leadership was James Hunt, who went on to develop his career through CSIRO, LaTrobe University and ultimately rose to become the Professor of Agronomy at the University of Melbourne in but one of the many indicators of Jim's lasting legacy.
Professor Kollmorgen's impact on agriculture, education, and research, as well as the lives of those he touched, will never be forgotten.
Jim is survived by his children Prudence, Jessica, Andrew, and Hannah; his grandchildren Bethany, Ella, William, Nieve, Parke, Rafe, Lila, Toby, Philippa, and Roland; and his brother Ray.