Emeritus Professor James Baber Rowe was announced as a recipient of the Queen's Birthday Honour for his service to science as a researcher and educator.

Mr Rowe said he was surprised and delighted by the announcement.

"It's a very significant award, and I'm really pleased - it's quite something. I have no idea who nominated me, and that makes it even more of an honour - I'm thrilled about it."

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After coming to Australia from Johannesburg, South Africa in 1970 to study rural science at the University of New England under ag science system pioneer Bill McClymont, Mr Rowe has worked in a variety of roles both here and overseas throughout his long career, and since his retirement from academia in 2020.

"My real interest is getting large collaborative projects together," he said.

"That is really the key to scientific success. In the area of agriculture, you deal with complex problems, and you really don't solve them by working on your own.

"That is what I've been about for a long time. It's complicated stuff - you need to pull in expertise and make sure people work together."

Mr Rowe also acknowledged the vital role the support of his wife and children played in his success.

"Particularly their feedback around the dining table," he laughed.

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