People on the Move in the grain industry

• GRDC appoints new chair
• Mahar to depart NFF
• Peter Howard remembered
• Changes at Grain NSW
• AgForce names president elect
• Barenbrug appoints MD
• New leadership of GIAV
• SA Parliamentary Friends of Grain launches
• Grain Sustainability Framework Council named
• GLNC announces new directors
• Brand joins Frontier Farming
• GrainGrowers directors elected
• Venning joins GPSA Board
• Nuffield Scholars announced

GRDC appoints new chair

South Australian grower Sharon Starick has been appointed as the new chair for the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

Mrs Starick is also chair of Animal Health Australia, a Regional Investment Corporation director, independent chair of the SA Future Drought Fund Advisory Group, and a member of the Murray Plains Farmers committee.

“Mrs Starick has extensive board experience and will use this to continue leading organisational change and strategy renewal within the GRDC,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said.

GRDC managing director Nigel Hart said Mrs Starick’s appointment would provide critical continuity for the organisation as she has served as a GRDC director since 2018.

“She is a highly intelligent, highly capable leader with an extensive knowledge of agriculture and natural-resource management,” Mr Hart said.

Mrs Starick’s three-year term will  start next month, alongside deputy chair Bob Nixon, Kellie Benda, Shaun Coffey, Natalie Sommerville, Bindi Turner and Richard Heath.

She replaces outgoing GRDC chair John Woods, a Goondiwindi grain grower who has led the organisation since 2016.

Mahar to depart NFF

National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke has announced the resignation of CEO Tony Mahar after a decade of service to the organisation and the agricultural sector.

Mr Mahar, who joined the NFF as general manager of trade and economics in 2013 and became CEO in 2016, will take up the position of Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, an independent role appointed by the Federal Government, reporting to the Minister for Climate and Energy.

“During his tenure, Tony has strengthened NFF’s position as the leading national advocacy body for agriculture through his integrity, stakeholder management skills, and dedication to the industry,” Mr Jochinke said.

“His passion, professionalism and approachability earned him respect across industry, government, and corporate partners, and we have greatly appreciated his leadership.”

The NFF board will begin the process of recruiting a new CEO immediately, with Mr Mahar formally concluding his role in December.

Peter Howard remembered

The grain trade has lost one of its export pioneers with the passing of Peter Howard, who opened market pathways for Australian durum in his time as a director of New England Agricultural Traders.

This was in the 1990s, when NEAT helped forge a path for those developing valuable markets under licence when AWB and others held single-desk export rights for Australian grain.

In 2012, Mr Howard co-founded Grain Trend, and continued to accumulate and export durum and work as a company director from his home in the Walcha district of NSW.

He died after a long illness, and will be remembered as an intelligent, tenacious, and kind man of great integrity.

Mr Howard is survived by his wife Lesley, and his sons William, Edward and Archer.

Changes at Grain NSW

Grain NSW has a new president in StoneX broker Stefan Meyer, replacing Robinson Grain general manager Adam Robinson after his two-year tenure.

Following the group’s AGM held in Sydney on September 6, other executive roles are held by Grenfell trader Brent Ray as treasurer, and CL Commodities director Robert Lean as secretary.

Rounding out the executive committee are Manildra Group’s Ron Arnold, Grainforce operations manager Wes Larnach, Market Check chief financial officer Tom Basnett, and Lachlan Commodities director Andrew Cogswell.

AgForce names president elect

Queensland agricultural lobby group AgForce has named Shane McCarthy as president elect.

He will step into the role in November, to replace Georgie Somerset, who has led AgForce for the past six years.

Mr McCarthy said he is humbled and excited by the opportunity to lead such an important industry organisation.

“I would like to thank Georgie for her tireless dedication over the last six years as well as the other out-going board members, commodity board members and regional council members in defending and promoting agriculture in Queensland,” Mr McCarthy said.

“Georgie has built strong momentum around significant issues for industry, and I look forward to acknowledging those fully at the AGM and ensuring the organisation maximises that momentum for ensuring policy settings allow industry and community to thrive.”

Barenbrug appoints MD

Seed company, Barenbrug Australia, has announced the appointment of Tom Dickson as the new managing director.

He takes over from former managing director Toby Brown who has held the role for over five years.

With 12 years of diverse experience at Barenbrug in commercial, technical, and research roles, Mr Dickson brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm to his new position.

Before taking on the managing director role, Mr Dickson held the position as head of sales and marketing.

He also has a background in technical agronomy and research and innovation roles.

New leadership of GIAV

Following the Grain Industry Association of Victora annual general meeting held September 6, Jeremy Swincer has been appointed as president.

A trader with Kelly Grains at Tocumwal, NSW, Mr Swincer became acting president when LDC’s Simone Dax took leave during her second term as president.

Mr Swincer is a trader for Tocumwal-based company Kelly Grains, and is supported by Riordan Grains trader Hamish MacDonald as vice president.

Mr MacDonald replaces Ridley’s Stephen Howells, who has recently left the grain trade, and returning treasurer Brad Knight of GeoCommodities.

The GIAV AGM was held at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in St Kilda, and the next gathering of the organisation’s members is expected to be for GIAV’s annual crop tour, set down for October 16-17.

SA Parliamentary Friends of Grain launches

For the first time, a South Australian Parliamentary Friends of Grain Group has been established with the aim to celebrate the multi-billion-dollar grain industry and continue to highlight to politicians the importance of the sector to the state’s economy.

This bi-partisan initiative, co-chaired by Labor Member for Whyalla Eddie Hughes and Liberal Upper House member Nicola Centofanti, brings together key representatives from across the grain supply chain, including producers, marketers, exporters, researchers and industry leaders.

Grain Producers SA chair John Gladigau said establishment of the group was driven by GPSA to highlight the importance of the SAustralian grain industry.

“It’s not often that representatives from across the South Australian grain industry supply chain get together and acknowledge the outstanding work that is being done in the sector,” Mr Gladigau said.

The group was launched at an event at Parliament House in Adelaide last week hosted by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven.

“This Group will enhance our ability to work together on policy development that ensures the continued growth and resilience of the sector,” Minister Scriven said.

Grain Sustainability Framework Council named

A Grain Sustainability Framework Council has been established to help provide governance and drive the strategic direction for the framework.

The council comprises an independent chair, three representatives from each grain body – two board directors and the CEO, a GRDC observer, and a secretariat.

Members of the council are: Tess Herbert, independent chair; Nigel Corish and Richard Norton, GrainGrowers board directors; Brendon Taylor and Mark Schilling, Grain Producers Australia board directors; Shona Gawel, GrainGrowers CEO; Peter Arkle, GPA interim CEO; Mark Callow, GRDC observer; and Sarah Hyland, GrainGrowers general manager major projects, who will act as secretariat.

“Over the past decade the development of commodity-based frameworks has matured to the point where you can really see the value,” Ms Herbert said.

“My role will be to ensure the Council works effectively, providing oversight and ensuring collaboration and a strong strategic direction for the GSF.”

Launched in 2019 and initially led by GrainGrowers in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the GSF now has a new approach which includes improved governance, stronger collaboration, and strategic stakeholder engagement.

The next steps in the GSF process includes the appointment of a Steering Group to ensure the GSF operates efficiently and in line with its objectives and guiding principles.

GLNC announces new directors

The Grains Legumes and Nutrition Council has appointed new directors to its board following an expression-of-interest and selection process.

New faces are: Dr Kirsty Germaine, Mauri director of technical, quality and sustainability; Andrew May co-CEO of Essantis (formerly Unigrain); Dr Lisa Ronquest-Ross, chief science officer at v2food; and Richard Simonaitis, Grains Australia CEO.

“We have attracted strong leaders with extensive experience and a strong commitment to promoting healthy, nutritious, sustainable and affordable foods from our grains and legumes,” GLNC chair Ron Storey said.

Robyn Murray, current GLNC director and former GM of innovation and head of ingredient development at Allied Pinnacle, will retire from the GLNC board at the November 2024 AGM.

A further director appointment may be announced in the coming months, pending confirmation of the applicant’s availability.

Brand joins Frontier Farming

Pulse specialist Jason Brand has joined Frontier Farming Systems as a senior research agronomist.

Dr Brand joined the Mallee research, development and extension business in August, bringing with him more than 24 years’ experience in pulse agronomy and variety development as leader of the Southern Pulse Agronomy program through Agriculture Victoria.

Remaining based out of Horsham, Dr Brand will continue to play a key role in the expansion of pulses through the Mallee and Wimmera by leading Frontier Farming’s projects across this region.

“We are excited to gain Jason’s services to help us continue to develop strong industry relationships and a reputation for excellence and innovation in applied R&D and communication, particularly in our key focus areas of pulse agronomy, farming systems and soil management,” Frontier Farming’s managing director Michael Moodie said.

GrainGrowers directors elected

GrainGrowers’ members have elected Nigel Corish and Ian Gourley as directors to the board – representing the Northern Region – at the organisation’s AGM this month.

Both were re-elected after retiring in accordance with the constitution.

Mr Corish, a fourth-generation farmer from Goondiwindi, is the managing director of New Leaf Ag, family-owned company running a 4000ha grain-growing operation near Condamine.

He was first elected in 2018, and has served as deputy chair of the organisation.

Mr Gourley is a second-generation grain grower in northwest NSW, and farms more than 6000ha.

He was first elected in 2021, having previously been a member of the GrainGrowers National Policy Group for nine years.

“Having worked with both previously, I look forward to their ongoing contributions as members of the GrainGrowers Board,” GrainGrowers chair Rhys Turton said.

Venning joins GPSA Board

Bute grain producer James Venning was appointed as the newest grower director to the Grain Producers SA Board at its AGM in Bordertown.

In addition to Mr Venning’s appointment, John Gladigau, Nick Hillier, Chelly Litster, and Dylon Kay were re-elected as grower directors.

Mr Gladigau has also been reappointed as chair, with Peta Willmott continuing in her role as deputy chair.

“James’ innovative attitude and his experience in resilience and adaptability means he will be a tremendous asset around the GPSA Board table,” Mr Gladigau said.

Mr Venning said he has been impressed with the leadership shown by GPSA and is excited to contribute to the future strategic direction of the peak body.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside my fellow board directors to ensure that the voices of growers are heard, and that we continue to advocate for the policies and innovations that will drive the industry forward,” Mr Venning said.

Nuffield Scholars announced

From ESG reporting to lychees; regenerative agriculture to beef – Nuffield Australia’s latest crop of 25 scholarship recipients will bring wide-ranging benefits to the agriculture industry.

They will spend 15 weeks over the coming 18 months travelling the world, researching the latest developments in their industries before sharing their findings with their peers.

“Our 2025 scholars represent the future of Australian agriculture,” Nuffield CEO and 2013 Scholar, Jodie Redcliffe said.

“We are excited to see how their experiences will shape the future of agriculture in Australia.”

Following is a list of recipients with their funding organisations and areas of study:

Jock Barnett, Delungra, NSW: Future Drought Fund: Studying how expanding and diversifying farming enterprises affects drought preparedness.

Campbell Chesworth, Rawsonville, NSW: RASF and Nuffield Australia’s NSW Alumni: Studying ways to build sustainability into farms’ bottom lines by embracing circular economy innovations.

Nikki Gilder, Merriwa, NSW: Yulgibar Foundation: Studying ways to empower women to be on-farm decision makers.

Maggie Jarrett, Orange, NSW: Agrifutures: Studying how small businesses in the agriculture industry can capitalise on ESG reporting.

Alice Jorgensen, Myall Creek, NSW: Woolworths: Studying ways to help farmers transition from annual fodder cropping to perennial pasture systems.

Kate Lumber, Moree, NSW: Cotton Australia and CRDC: Studying ways Australia’s cotton industry can use water more efficiently.

Iain MacLennan, Orange, NSW: Hort Innovation’s Apple and Pear Fund: Studying how apple orchards can operate profitably and sustainably when accounting for carbon.

Kari Moffat, Darwin, NT: Future Drought Fund: Studying the influence sustainability commitments have on business decision making to thrive in the face of drought and other pressures.

Trudi Oxley, Katherine, NT: Northern Pastoral Scholarship: Studying ways to build soil organic matter in tropical environments.

Tarun Richards, Darwin, NT: ANZ and FRDC: studying ways for farmers to share the costs and benefits of ESG reporting.

Cailan Byrnes, Tolga, Qld: MLA: Studying the development of cost-effective beef grading systems to optimise eating quality.

James Carter, Brisbane, Qld: Northern Pastoral Scholarship: Studying how technology has the potential to drive profit for producers and processors.

Krystal Caton, Yaamba, Qld: Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation: Studying post-harvest opportunities for lychees.

David Woods, Toobeah, Qld:GrainCorp: Studying why rural Australia’s mental health challenges are not improving.

Claire Catford, Halbury, SA: GRDC: Studying thriving farmers and vibrant communities.

Lucy Dodd, Bordertown, SA: Future Drought Fund: Studying how the free-range poultry industry can be better supported for on-farm diversification for resilience.

Paul Evans, Streaky Bay, SA: FRDC: studying whether a consistent supply of higher quality oysters can be achieved by combining farming methods and technologies.

Connor Wass, Kingston, Tas: PSP Investments: Studying roadblocks for smaller farms to invest in technology and help develop a digital technology roadmap.

Tom Youl, Flinders Island, Tas: JM Roberts Charitable Trust and Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture: Studying alternative fodder conservation methods and other ways to make farms more resilient.

Joe Druce, Baynton, Vic: William Buckland Foundation: Studying how various capital options can enable sustainable business growth in the mixed livestock sector.

Tom Polkinghorne, Dunkeld, Vic: Natural Resources Conservation Trust: Studying how livestock producers can rise to the challenge to be productive and efficient while achieving environmental outcomes.

Hamish Robertson, Hamilton, Vic: Future Drought Fund: studying whether wool production could be more efficient to promote resilience in dry times.

Thanh Truong, Melbourne, Vic: Rabobank and Nuffield Australia’s Victorian Alumni: Studying the opportunities social media can bring to Australian growers and best practice uses.

Tyson Cattle, Perth WA: Future Drought Fund: Investigating agriculture organisations and industry representation to inform drought preparedness and broader agriculture policy development.

Dr Jonathan Richetti, ACT: CSIRO scientist to participate in the Awards Dinner and National Conference, the Contemporary Scholars Conference and the Global Focus Program – key components of the Nuffield program.

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