A passionate advocate for agricultural education, Charles Sturt University (CSU) Emeritus Professor Jim Pratley has been recognised for 40 years of service to the University.

Professor Pratley was recently presented with the 40 Year Service Medal by CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann.

Professor Vann said, "Over the past four decades, Jim has demonstrated a long standing, and outstanding, commitment to secure a future for Australian agriculture through his teaching, research, administration and networking.

"His impact on the rural sector spans the spectrum from teaching and inspiring university students through to industry development and contributing to government policy."

Professor Pratley took up an academic position at Wagga Agricultural College, one of the preceding institutions to CSU, in 1972.

He was Foundation Dean of Science and Agriculture at CSU from 1990 until 2006 and is currently Secretary of the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture. 

His research in conservation farming, weed management, herbicide resistance and allelopathy has been widely published.

Professor Pratley is a member of the Research Committee of the Australian Farm Institute and of the NSW Primary Industries Ministerial Advisory Council.

In 2012/13, he carried out a Review of Agricultural Education and Training for the NSW Government.

Professor Pratley is a former President of the Australian Society of Agronomy, former Vice President of the International Allelopathy Society and has served on the Boards of the Cooperative Research Centres of Viticulture, Sustainable Rice Production, Weed Management Systems and Plant Based Management of Dryland Salinity.

Professor Pratley's contribution to Australian agriculture goes well beyond his lengthy role in higher education.

He was recently recognised in a book to be kept on record at the National Library of Australia in Canberra.

Written by Year 5 and 6 students from Kapooka Public School, Lily Watkins, Victoria Kean, Ashley Gardiner and Cassie Baker, the book was part of the Local Land Heroes project recognising local agricultural identities.

The project was initiated by the Murray Darling Association and Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre with funding from the Murray, Riverina and Western Local Land Services.