This edition of the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight is a special one.
After more than 30 years of service to agricultural science, Professor Phil Vercoe is retiring – marking the end of a remarkable career dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and impact in Western Australia and around the world.
Currently Associate Director at The University of Western Australia’s Institute of Agriculture and Deputy Head of the School of Agriculture and Environment, Professor Vercoe has become a leading figure in livestock research, helping to drive significant advancements in emissions reduction and production efficiency.
His legacy, however, extends far beyond research outputs – to the students, collaborators, and producers whose lives and work he has influenced.
A passion for agriculture rooted in early experiences
For Professor Phil Vercoe, a career in agricultural science was sparked at a young age.
Growing up in Queensland, he was introduced to the field through his father, who worked on crossbreeding cattle experiments at a CSIRO research farm near Rockhampton.
“My interest in becoming an agricultural scientist started fairly early in life,” Professor Vercoe said.
“I would help my father with his experiments, and he also travelled frequently to developing countries.
“He’d return with fascinating stories about different cultures and the challenges they faced simply growing, transporting, and preserving food.”
This early exposure to the agricultural sector’s complexities and global significance set him on a path toward scientific inquiry and problem-solving in livestock production systems.
Professor Vercoe chose to pursue a Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England (UNE), drawn by its systems-based approach and rural setting.
His undergraduate studies focused on livestock production, and he was awarded a Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) scholarship to complete his PhD.
His doctoral research explored how microorganisms in the rumen of cattle and sheep could be influenced to break down plant material more effectively, ultimately improving meat, milk, and wool production.
“The ability to enhance rumen function is critical to improving efficiency in livestock production,” Professor Vercoe said.
“My PhD was an opportunity to delve into this, understanding the microbial ecosystem and how it could be manipulated for better outcomes.”
International experience and career development
After completing his PhD, Professor Vercoe’s career took an international turn.
Presenting his research at a conference in Queensland, he caught the attention of a leading scientist in his field, leading to a three-year postdoctoral position at the University of Illinois.
“As part of that postdoc, I spent time at the Babraham Research Institute in the United Kingdom, learning more about the genes involved in producing enzymes that break down plants and what switches those genes on and off,” Professor Vercoe said.
He also completed research stints at the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)/FAO Joint Division of Animal Production in Vienna.
These experiences, combined with the networks he built, played a pivotal role in shaping his future research.
“The opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds – scientists and producers alike – was invaluable,” Professor Vercoe said.
“These interactions helped me build a program of work in Western Australia and reinforced the importance of diverse perspectives in solving agricultural challenges.”
Leading the charge for a low-emissions future
Now, as Deputy Head of the School of Agriculture and Environment and Associate Director of the Institute of Agriculture at UWA, Professor Vercoe continues to drive innovation in livestock research.
He also leads ‘Program 2: Towards Methane-Free Cattle and Sheep’ within the newly established Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC), a national initiative focused on transitioning Australian agriculture to net-zero emissions by 2040.
“My time is split equally between my roles at UWA and the ZNE-Ag CRC,” he said.
“Regardless of whether I’m teaching, conducting research, or leading a program, the focus is always on reducing emissions and improving the production efficiency of grazing ruminants.”
He sees education and mentorship as some of the most rewarding aspects of his work – and a key part of his legacy.
“One of the highlights of my career has been attending graduations and seeing the sense of achievement in the faces of the students graduating and the pride in the faces of their family members,” he said.
“The other main highlight has been the scientists and producers I’ve had the good fortune to meet and collaborate with locally, nationally, and internationally over the past 30 years.”
Being part of a discipline that is critical to global food security and sustainability is another source of fulfilment.
However, Professor Vercoe acknowledges the challenges that come with it.
“It can be frustrating because we never have all the answers, nor do we always have the funds to conduct the research needed to find those answers,” he said.
Current research and the path ahead
Professor Vercoe’s research is centered on improving the efficiency of sheep and cattle production while reducing emissions in extensive grazing systems.
His work examines genetic selection, feed additives, and feedbase improvements, with a growing interest in biodiversity, natural capital, and nature-positive farming systems.
“The pressure on livestock industries to reduce their environmental footprint while continuing to produce high-quality meat, milk, and wool is increasing,” he said.
“Extensive grazing industries are well-positioned to meet this challenge, but it will require more research and industry engagement to develop cost-effective solutions.”
Looking ahead, Professor Vercoe sees research playing an even more vital role in supporting agricultural industries as they face accelerating changes.
Producers will be confronted with climate variability, technological advancements, labour shortages, evolving consumer demands, and shifting public sentiment.
“The speed at which information – and misinformation – spreads through social media presents another challenge,” Professor Vercoe said.
He believes that collaboration, such as that fostered by the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration, will be crucial in helping the industry navigate these challenges effectively.
For university students and early-career scientists interested in agriculture, Professor Vercoe believes that while you can specialise in an area you’re passionate about, you should never lose sight of the bigger system.
Regardless of their specific role, agricultural scientists should aim to enhance the livelihoods of producers working in increasingly challenging conditions.
“The most important skills you can develop are problem-solving, collaboration, and communication,” Professor Vercoe said.
“At the same time, have the confidence to show initiative and think ahead to the next challenges the industry might face.”
A proud career dedicated to impact
Reflecting on his proudest professional accomplishment, Professor Vercoe points to the Enrich Project – a national, multidisciplinary collaboration with producers and researchers working together toward shared goals.
“It was an innovative, multidisciplinary, national collaboration where the research team and producers formed a genuine partnership to achieve a common goal,” he said.
It’s that sense of purpose and collaboration that’s kept him motivated over three decades in agricultural science.
“Agriculture is fundamental to a healthy and stable society,” he said.
“Being able to put whatever skills and training I have to use and contributing to something I believe in so strongly has been important to me.
I would not have stayed in the game for more than three decades if I didn’t believe I was contributing to something worthwhile or if I felt my involvement wasn’t going to make some difference, no matter how small.”
“It has also allowed me to meet some of the most interesting people who have become lifelong friends and enabled me to visit places that have only emphasised the essential role agriculture plays in underpinning healthy, stable communities and society.”
As he steps into retirement, Professor Vercoe won’t be stepping away from purpose.
“I’ll always be looking to contribute to things that I believe improve the health of the community and the environment,” he said.
“I particularly look forward to doing that as a volunteer so I can squeeze in the odd game of golf and catch up on some time and travel with my family, who have supported me so strongly over the last 30 years.”
Looking back, and looking ahead, it’s clear that Professor Vercoe’s influence will endure – through the ideas he’s championed, the partnerships he’s built, and the people he’s mentored.
Through mentorship, collaboration, and cutting-edge research, his work has helped to shape the next generation of agricultural innovation.
Through the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight series, WAARC celebrates the contributions of researchers like Professor Phil Vercoe, whose work exemplifies the dedication and innovation needed to advance agricultural science in Western Australia.
By sharing their stories, the series aims to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in this vital field, ensuring the state remains at the forefront of agricultural research and sustainability.
