Selected publications
2026
Amato-Ali C-Y, Molimau-Samasoni S, Iese V, Sakiti-Waqa H and Mekala G (2026) Postharvest Handling of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Samoa: Impact Damage and Rot Arising from Poor Handling. Sustainability.
Burlingame, B., Toki, V. and Iese, V., 2026. Restoring the mana of the moana for ecological and food-system resilience in the Hauraki Gulf. Nature Food, pp.1-2. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-026-01324-1
Klatt, L., Pinho, S.M., Mekala, G., Losordo, T.M. and Turchini, G.M., 2026. In search of electricity use patterns for resource-efficient fish farming in recirculating aquaculture systems–A systematic review. Aquaculture https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2026.743887
Height, K. and Graham, S., 2026. Social norms enable rural collective action: an example from weed management in Australia. Agriculture and Human Values, 43(1), p.5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-025-10832-y
Vera-Toscano, E., Waite, C., Cuervo, H., Santhanam-Martin, M., Ayre, M. and Nettle, R., 2026. Tracing young people's entry and retention in the Australian agriculture sector: A longitudinal analysis of rural employment pathways. Journal of Rural Studies, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2026.104010
Lowe, E.C., Mata, L., Santhanam-Martin, M., McGrane, L., Lye, J.C. and Umina, P.A., 2026. Unlocking Industry Views for Effective Redlegged Earth Mite Resistance Management. Arthropoda, 4(1), p.2. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda4010002
2025
Amato-Ali, C.Y., Iese, V., Molimau-Samasoni, S., Mekala, G., Patolo, S. and Waqa-Sakiti, H., 2025. Impacts of climate change on taro food loss and farmers’ food security in Tonga and Samoa. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9 https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1663648
Amato-Ali C-Y, Iese V, Mekala G, Hidalgo D and Sakiti-Waqa H (2025) Food loss in Pacific Island Countries: a scoping review of the literature. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 8:1520335. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1520335
Liang X, Willett I R, Pandey A, Suter H, Mekala G, Thar S P, Li Y, Pan B, Xie W and Chen D (2025) Nitrogen use for improved profitability and sustainability of rice production in central Myanmar. Nitrogen Cycling. http://doi/10.48130/nc-0025-0009?viewType=HTML
Nettle, R., Ayre, M., Reichelt, N., Santhanam-Martin, M. and Vikas, A., 2025. Farm transformation in the context of climate change: Beyond the incremental-transformational divide. Journal of Rural Studies, 116,. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2025.103628
Contzen, S., Santhanam-Martin, M., Beecher, M., Hostiou, N., & Nettle, R. (2025). Revisiting the concept of ‘decent work’ for agriculture. Journal of Rural Studies, 120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2025.103872
Knook, J., Nettle, R. Landini, F. (2025). Agricultural extension and education. En Reference Module in Food Science. ELSEVIER. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-15976-3.00072-6
Nettle, R. & Ingram, J. (2025). Smart farming technologies and changes to farm work: New insights into on-farm experiences, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Volume 218, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124227.
Nettle, R., Ingram, J., Ayre, M. (2025), Digiwork: How Agriculture 4.0 is changing work for farm advisers, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems., https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1542007
Nettle, R., Vikas, A., Lin, P., Santhanam-Martin M. (2025), Review: Attracting and retaining a farm workforce for the pork industry, animal, 2025, 101670, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2025.101670
Waite, C., Gallo Cordoba, B., Walsh, L., Kleve, S., Choi, T., Mukherjee, A., Lin, Y. 2025. Food insecurity among international students’ studying in Melbourne, Australia: experiences and impacts. Higher Education, pp.1-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-025-01400-8
Waite, C., Lyall, B. and Roberts, S., 2025. Qualified Hope: Young People’s Education and Employment Pathways in Times of Disruption. Journal of Applied Youth Studies, pp.1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43151-025-00184-z
Bilotto, F., Christie-Whitehead, K.M., Malcolm, B., Barnes, N., Cullen, B., Ayre, M. and Harrison, M.T., 2025. Costs of transitioning the livestock sector to net-zero emissions under future climates. Nature Communications, 16(1), p.3810. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-59203-5
Fiedler, J.M., Rosanowski, S., Ayre, M.L. and Slater, J.D., 2025. Horse Activity Participants’ Perceptions About Practices Undertaken at Activity Venues, and Horse Welfare and Wellbeing. Animals, 15(15), p.2182. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152182
Kerinaiua, M., Brekelmans, A., Spencer, M., Ayre, M., Jones, M., Young, A.R., Kerinaiua, F., Kurrupuwu, A., Kantilla, C., Alimankinni, J. and Orsto, F., 2025. Composing, decomposing, and recomposing engagement in Indigenous-led research for land and sea management, Tiwi Islands, Australia. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples https://doi.org/10.1177/11771801251334917
Fiedler, J.M., Ayre, M.L., Rosanowski, S. and Slater, J.D., 2025. Horses are worthy of care: Horse sector participants’ attitudes towards animal sentience, welfare, and well-being. Animal Welfare, 34, p.e6. , 1–12 https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2024.69
Young, A.R., Davies, H.F., Ayre, M.L., Brekelmans, A., Bryan, B.A., Elith, J., Hadden, K., Kerinaiua, M., Keith, D.A., Lewis, D.L. and Munkara‐Murray, K.M., 2025. Applying the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology to classify, describe, and map ecosystems based on regional data and Indigenous knowledge. Conservation Biology, p.e70099. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70099
Eastwood, C.R., Edwards, J.P., Ingram, J., Ayre, M., Fielke, S. and Renwick, A., 2025. On-farm implementation of transformative technologies and practices for sustainability transitions in agriculture. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, p.1616512. https://doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2025.1616512
2024
Santhanam-Martin, M., Wilkinson, R., Cowan, L. and Nettle, R., 2024. Elaborating decent work for agriculture: Job experiences and workforce retention in the Australian orchard industry. Journal of Rural Studies, 111. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2024.103330
Warriach, H.M., Ayre, M., Nettle, R., Height, K., Iqbal, H., Aziz, A., Hayat, K., Afzal, A., Majeed, S., Kumbher, A. and McGill, D.M., 2024. Strengthening the role of innovation brokers in the livestock advisory services system of Pakistan. Animal Production Science, 64(8). doi:10.1071/AN23398
Gallo Cordoba, B., Waite, C. and Walsh, L., 2024. Towards a causal link between food insecurity and buy-now-pay-later use by young Australians. Young Consumers, 25(6), pp.725-747. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/yc-11-2023-1912
Waite, C., Walsh, L. and Black, R., 2024. Negotiating senses of belonging and identity across education spaces. The Australian Educational Researcher, 51(4), pp.1161-1176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-023-00633-9
Waite, C., Walsh, L., Gallo Cordoba, B., Cutler, B. and Bao Huynh, T., 2024. About them, without them? figures of youth in Australian policy 2014–2021. Journal of Youth Studies, pp.1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2024.2325447
2023
Reichelt, N. and Nettle, R 2023, 'Practice insights for the responsible adoption of smart farming technologies using a participatory technology assessment approach: The case of virtual herding technology in Australia,' AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS, vol.206 pp. 14-. doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103592
Height, K., Jefferson, R. and Graham, S. (2023) ‘Obnoxious Plants and Pestiferous Growths: how figurative language reinforces the management of weeds in Victoria, Australia’, Australian Geographer, 54(2), pp. 137–154. doi: 10.1080/00049182.2022.2116969.
2022
Santhanam-Martin, M., Nettle, R., Major, J., Fagon, J., Beguin, E. and Bridge, P 2022, 'The Work Assessment Method shows potential to improve performance and social sustainability on Australian dairy farms,' ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE, vol.62, no.1, pp. 90-100. doi:10.1071/AN20438
2021
Cullen, B. R., Ayre, M., Reichelt, N., Nettle, R. A., Hayman, G., Armstrong, D. P., Beilin, R. and Harrison, M. T 2021, 'Climate change adaptation for livestock production in southern Australia: transdisciplinary approaches for integrated solutions,' ANIMAL FRONTIERS, vol.11, no.5, pp. 30-39. doi:10.1093/af/vfab046
Paschen, J., Ayre, M., King, B., Reichelt, N. and Nettle, R 2021, 'Shaking it up: The realities of 'doing' co-innovation in a privatised agricultural advisory and extension system,' JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES, vol.87 pp. 338-351. doi:10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.09.003
Nettle, R., Morton, J., McDonald, N., Suryana, M., Birch, D., Nyengo, K., Mbuli, M., Ayre, M., King, B., Paschen, J. and Reichelt, N, et al. 2021, 'Factors associated with farmers? use of fee-for-service advisors in a privatized agricultural extension system,' LAND USE POLICY, vol.104 pp. 17-. doi:10.1016/j.landusepol.2021.105360
2020 - 2008
Ayre, M., Mc Collum, V., Waters, W., Samson, P., Curro, A., Nettle, R., Paschen, J., King, B. and Reichelt, N 2019, 'Supporting and practising digital innovation with advisers in smart farming,' NJAS - Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, vol.90-91, no.December, . doi:10.1016/j.njas.2019.05.001
Eastwood, C., Ayre, M., Nettle, R. and Dela Rue, B 2019, 'Making sense in the cloud: Farm advisory services in a smart farming future,' NJAS-WAGENINGEN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES, vol.90-91 pp. 10-. doi:10.1016/j.njas.2019.04.004
King, B., Filke, S., Bayne, K., Klerkx, L. and Nettle, R 2019, 'Navigating shades of social capital and trust to leverage opportunities for rural innovation,' JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES, vol.68 pp. 123-134. doi:10.1016/j.jrurstud.2019.02.003
Ayre, M., Paschen, J., Shovelton, J., Evers, E., Hollier, C., Nettle, R., King, B. and Reichelt, N 2018, 'Facilitating the collaboration of practitioner and scientific knowledge: experiences from an Australian action research intervention.,' International Journal of Agricultural Extension: Theme 3 – Integrating science, technology, policy and practice, vol.3 pp. 15-.
Ayre, M., Reichelt, N., Knee, J., Hancock, B., Linley, I., McNicholl, D., Norval, A., Paschen, J., Nettle, R. and King, B 2018, 'An opportunity not to be missed: the possibilities to support Australian dairy and meat processors in agricultural advisory service provision.,' International Journal of Agricultural Extension: Theme 1 – Learning and knowledge systems, education, extension and advisory services, vol.1 pp. 17-.
Santhanam-Martin, Michael, Patten Bridge, and Lillian Stevens. 2018. "Working with stuckness: lessons from an intervention to support intergenerational transitions on Australian dairy farms." Canadian Journal of Development Studies / Revue canadienne d'études du développement:1-18. doi: 10.1080/02255189.2018.1517302
Ayre, M. L. and Nettle, R. A 2017, 'Enacting resilience for adaptive water governance: a case study of irrigation modernization in an Australian catchment,' ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY, vol.22, no.3, pp. 15-. doi:10.5751/ES-09256-220301
Paschen, J., Reichelt, N., King, B., Ayre, M. and Nettle, R 2017, 'Enrolling advisers in governing privatised agricultural extension in Australia: challenges and opportunities for the research, development and extension system,' JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION & EXTENSION, vol.23, no.3, pp. 265-282. doi:10.1080/1389224X.2017.1320642
Santhanam-Martin, M., Ayre, M., & Nettle, R. (2015). Community sustainability and agricultural landscape change: insights into the durability and vulnerability of the productivist regime. Sustainability Science, 10(2), 207-217. doi: 10.1007/s11625-014-0268-2
King B.J. and Nettle, R. (2013). Private-Public advisory networks: An Australian dairy pasture seed case study. Extension Farming Systems Journal 9 (1): 1-9.
O'Kane, M., King, B. J., & O'Brien, G. (2009). Farmer risk perceptions and practice: Utilising notions of risk for extension in Project 3030. Extension Farming Systems Journal, 5(2): 59-69.
King, B.J., Paine, M.S., Beilin, R., & M.P. O’Kane (2009). Encounters with knowledge entrepreneurs and ‘sticky’ knowledge transfer: Case Study Project 3030. Extension Farming Systems Journal. 5(1) 11-21
O’Kane, M.P., Paine, M.S. and B.J. King (2008). Context, Participation and Discourse: The Role of the Communities of Practice Concept in Understanding Farmer Decision Making. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 14 (3).
O’Kane, M.P., Paine, M.S. and King, B.J., (2008). Thoughts on Reflexive Learning Strategies: Structural decision making in forage management innovation. Dedieu, B and Zasser Bedoya, S (Eds), Empowerment of the Rural Actors: A Renewal of Farming Systems Perspectives, 8th European IFSA Symposium, INRA Metafort
Selected reports and other outputs
Nettle, R., Reichelt, N., Ayre, M. and Santhanam-Martin, M. (2021). Understanding the drivers of feeding system change from dairy farmers’ experiences in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) of Victoria.
Brightling, P., Hope, A., Nettle, R. and Santhanam-Martin, M. (2021). Environmental scan: Skills development for Victorian agriculture.
Ayre, M., McCollum, V., Waters, W., Samson, P., Curro, A., Nettle, R., Paschen, J., King, B. and Reichelt, N 2018, 'Exploring the value proposition of digital technologies in smart farming: an approach co-designed by agricultural advisors.,'
Ayre, M., Nettle, R., King, B., Paschen, J., Reichelt, N. and Smith, E 2018, 'The advisory and extension system in Australia: Opportunities for strength in pluralism.,'
Ayre, M., King, B., Martin, S., Sobotta, I., Paschen, J., Nettle, R. and Reichelt, N 2018, 'Becoming an adviser within the privatized extension sector: Challenges and successes of seven early-career advisers.'
ACIAR (2022). Improving smallholder dairy and beef profitability by enhancing farm production and value chain management in Pakistan. https://www.aciar.gov.au/project/LPS-2016-011
CRDC. (Summer 2020-21). Supporting change for resilient regional communities. Spotlight on Cotton R&D, 17-18.
King, B., Hill, M. and Reichelt, N. (2016). Final Project Report: Mapping the extension capability of the Goulburn Valley fresh pear sector June 2016, The University of Melbourne.
King, B.J. and Nettle, R.A. (2011) Using Partner Farms to support RD&E initiative: The 3030 Project experience. The University of Melbourne. (This is publicly available from DEPI and Dairy Australia as a Factsheet).
King, B. and Nettle, R. (2014). Third-party roles of brokers in temporary knowledge networks. 11th European IFSA Symposium, Berlin, 1-4 April 2014.
Nettle, R., O’Kane, M.P., King, B.J., Chapman, D. & D. Henry (2010). Farmers design farm systems – not researchers: Conceptual ideas for linking farms, advisers, research projects and regions to improve technology choice in Australian dairy production. 9th European IFSA Symposium, 4-7 July, Austria.
O’Kane, M.P., Paine, M.S. and King, B.J. (2008). ‘Organising Research: Using Action Research Methodologies to ReOrganise Research Structures’. EGOS Organising Committee (Eds), Upsetting Organisations, 24th European Group for Organisational Studies Colloquium.
Paschen, Jana-Axinja. (2020). Thresholds for resilience in regional cotton communities, Final Project Report, Rural Innovation Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne.
Rural Innovation and Research Group/ Cotton Research and Development Corporation (2020) ‘Resilience Assessment Workbook and Tools for the Australian Cotton Industry ‐ Supporting Change For Resilient Communities in Cotton Regions, Melbourne.
Santhanam-Martin, Michael, and Lisa Cowan. 2018. "Making “middle managers”: Workforce development for agricultural industries in transition." 13th European IFSA Symposium, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute Of Chania (CIHEAM - MAICH), Greece, 1-5 July 2018, 1-5 July 2018
Santhanam-Martin, Michael. (2019). Career Journeys and Job Experiences in the Goulburn-Murray Fruit Industry. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.21009.38247.
Stewardson, M.J., D. Skinner, M. Ayre, S. Barlow, B. Cook, B. Farquharson, S. Fuentes, L. Godden, D. Karoly, J. Langford, V. Nemes, R. Nettle, M. Peel, V. Pettigrove, I. Rutherfurd, D. Ryu, K. Saleem, P. Scales, M.K. Soltanieh, A. Webb, A. Western, E. Weyer. 2014. A Blueprint for Regional Water Productivity, Carlton Connect Initiative, The University of Melbourne, Parkville.