Charles Massy gained a Bachelor of Science (Zoology, Human Ecology) at ANU (1976), before going farming for 35 years, developing the prominent Merino sheep stud Severn Park. Concern at ongoing land degradation and humanity’s sustainability challenge led him to return to ANU in 2009 to undertake a PhD in Human Ecology. Charles was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service as Chair and Director of a number of research organisations and statutory wool boards. He is the author of acclaimed Breaking the Sheep's Back (2011), and most recently, the acclaimed Call of the Reed Warbler: A New Agriculture, A New Earth (2019).