Mid-North grain producer Steve Ball has been elected the new chair of GPSA. Photo: GPSA
- Ball appointed GPSA chair
- New GM for Cotton Australia
- GPA announces board member
- New Riverine Plains CEO
- Vic chief plant health officer
- Mitchell joins Rabobank
- Brownhill Cup winners
- Tunna appointed CAA
- CEO CA appoints water policy officer
- ACH committee changes
Ball appointed GPSA chair
Riverton grain producer Steve Ball has been appointed chair of Grain Producers SA (GPSA), succeeding John Gladigau following the organisation’s annual general meeting on August 28.
Two new member-elected directors, Mid North grain producer Damien Sommerville and Mallee grain producer Tanja Morgan, will join the board alongside reappointed grain producers Dylon Kay from Eyre Peninusla and James Venning and Chelly Litster from Yorke Peninsula.
“Steve is a respected grain producer and industry leader who understands both the practical realities of running a farming business and the importance of strong, effective representation,” GPSA chief executive officer Brad Perry said.
“Damien and Tanja will bring valuable new perspectives and experience from two of South Australia’s key grain-growing regions.
“The reappointment of Dylon, James and Chelly also provides important continuity and ensures GPSA continues to benefit from their knowledge, expertise and commitment to the industry.
Matt Linnegar.
Mr Perry also recognised outgoing chair Mr Gladigau for his six years of service on the GPSA board, including the past three years as chair.
“John has provided outstanding leadership during a period of considerable growth and change for GPSA and the wider grain industry,” Mr Perry said.
New GM for Cotton Australia
Cotton Australia has appointed Matt Linnegar as its new general manager to succeed long-serving general manager Michael Murray who is retiring in November after 16 years with the organisation.
Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said Mr Linnegar brings more than three decades of experience across agriculture, leadership, advocacy, water policy and stakeholder engagement, making him exceptionally well-placed to lead the organisation into its next chapter.
“Matt is highly respected across Australian agriculture, with a proven track record of leading organisations, advocating for rural industries and navigating complex policy challenges,” Mr Kay said.
Mr Linnegar has been chief executive of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation for the past 12 years, having previously served as the CEO of the National Farmers’ Federation and holding senior leadership roles with Murrumbidgee Irrigation and the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia.
“It is a privilege to be appointed to this role, and I look forward to working with growers, industry partners and the Cotton Australia team to continue advancing the interests of the industry and supporting the communities that depend on it,” Mr Linnegar said.
Mr Kay paid tribute to Mr Murray’s significant contribution to the organisation and the Australian cotton industry.
“On behalf of the Board, our members and the wider cotton industry, I thank Michael for his outstanding service and leadership and wish him every happiness in retirement.”
GPA announces board member
Grain Producers Australia has announced the appointment of Kristy McSweeney to its Board.
Kristy McSweeney
“Kristy has a long history of working in regional news and at the highest level of agricultural and trade policy in Federal Government and her experience will be invaluable to us as an organisation, and to our members as we face a number of policy, trade and geopolitically driven economic challenges,” GPA chair Matthew Madden said.
Ms McSweeney grew up in the south-west corner of Western Australia and is from a generational family farming in the grain and sheep industry.
She has held senior positions with Hancock Agriculture and Kidman, advocating for the agriculture sector and working with investment partners, after previously serving as a lead stakeholder negotiator for QantasLink, working with agricultural and regional stakeholders across Australia.
Ms McSweeney began her career in regional news covering agricultural issues and has continued to advocate for regional Australians in her capacity as a political contributor to News 24 and ABC for over a decade, as well a working in the investment markets understanding the economic drivers of Australia’s agricultural industry.
Matthew McNee
“The grains industry is a significant economic contributor to Australia, as is agriculture in general, and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to a strategy for growers that embeds that message to policy makers and the public,” Ms McSweeney said.
“I’m committed to helping change that perception, on behalf of the growers, but also on behalf of the thousands of regional communities just like the one I grew up in, who are delivering for Australia in so many ways and not being recognised in the public or policy consciousness for their contribution.”
New Riverine Plains CEO
Matthew McNee has been appointed as the new CEO of Riverine Plains, taking over from Pip Grant, who departed in April.
Mr McNee brings more than 20 years’ experience across farming, agricultural science and organisational leadership in Australia and overseas.
With a strong focus on farmer-led research, knowledge exchange and practical outcomes, he joins Riverine Plains with extensive experience working across agricultural systems and research, development and extension programs.
Since 1999, Riverine Plains Inc has been supporting farmers across the region through delivering local research and extension activities.
Vic chief plant health officer
Dr Stephen Dibley has been appointed as Victoria’s new chief plant health officer.
Dr Stephen Dibley.
In this role, Dr Dibley will help strengthen Victoria’s preparedness and response to plant biosecurity risks that can affect growers, industries, trade and the environment.
The appointment recognises his deep technical knowledge, national biosecurity experience and significant contribution to plant health policy and emergency preparedness.
Dr Dibley has worked with the Victorian Government since 2019 and previously spent 11 years with Plant Health Australia, where he supported implementation of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.
His experience gives him a strong understanding of national plant biosecurity arrangements, emergency response frameworks and the partnerships needed to protect Australia’s plant industries and environment.
RaboResearch’s Oskar Mitchell.
Mitchell joins Rabobank
Rabobank has announced the appointment of Oskar Mitchell to its team of Australian and New Zealand food and agri research analysts.
Based in Sydney, Mr Mitchell joins the specialist agribusiness bank’s RaboResearch division, where he will be responsible for providing industry insights and market updates on farm inputs, cotton, wool and farmland values.
“Oskar’s experience across a range of agricultural commodities, combined with his strong analytical skills and personal connection to farming, make him well placed to provide valuable support for the bank’s food and agri clients,” RaboResearch general manager Stefan Vogel said.
Prior to joining Rabobank, Mr Mitchell worked as an analyst with Australian Wool Innovation’s market intelligence team and in the grains sector, and holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Hons) from the University of Sydney..
Mr Mitchell, who comes from a wider family farming background and grew up in rural NSW, said Rabobank’s focus on agriculture and the bank’s positive impact on rural communities across Australia and New Zealand had strongly attracted him to the role.
“I’m very much looking forward to helping producers and agribusiness operators understand what is happening globally and what it means for them at a local level, enabling them to make better-informed decisions for their businesses,” Mr Mitchell said.
The 2026 Brownhill Cup went to the Tudgey family. Photo: NSWFarmers
Brownhill Cup winners
Breeza farmers the Tudgey family won the 2026 Brownhill Cup at the annual AgQuip Grower Forum, hosted by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Grains Research and Development Corporation and NSW Farmers.
Each year the Brownhill Cup celebrates the people who contribute to NSW primary industries by developing and supporting new and innovative ways to enhance farming practices and ensure sustainable long -term productivity.
With his wife Jillian, sons Jock and Brad and daughter Clare, Dave farms 2400ha with about 600ha of irrigation.
“Each year, the award highlights the people whose work is making a real difference for farmers, regional communities and the future of our industry,” Gordon Brownhill said when presenting the trophy.
“The Tudgeys are an early adopter of new technology to increase productivity and long -term sustainability.”
The Brownhill Cup trophy was donated by the Brownhill family of Merrilong, Spring Ridge, as a perpetual award to encourage landholders to adopt conservation farming and efficient management practices.
“Congratulations to the Tudgey family on receiving the Brownhill Cup. This award is recognition of their very successful farming operation and the adoption of new technology to support profitable and sustainable practices.” NSW DPIRD director of cropping systems Dr Guy McMullen said.
Tunna appointed CAA CEO
Joanne Tunna will step into the role of Cellular Agriculture Australia (CAA) CEO, succeeding Sam Perkins, who has led CAA since 2022.
Joanne Tunna
CAA is a not-for-profit organisation focused on accelerating the development of emerging food production technologies and ingredient innovation in Australia, including plant proteins, fermentation and cultivated foods.
Ms Tunna, currently CAA’s chief program officer, has been part of the organisation from the beginning as its first employee and has played a central role in CAA’s development and growth.
“Over the past four years, Sam and Jo have worked closely together to build CAA into a respected national voice for the sector,” CAA chair Chloe Dempsey said.
“Jo has been fundamental to that journey and brings deep organisational knowledge, an exceptional ability to translate strategy into action, and a clear vision for CAA’s next chapter.”
Mr Perkins will remain with the organisation through the end of this year and will continue to support the organisation as a strategic adviser into 2027.
Marti Beeston
CA appoints water policy officer
Cotton Australia has appointed Marti Beeston as water policy officer.
She is a water-sector professional based in Goondiwindi experienced in the Murray-Darling Basin, with a focus on stakeholder and industry engagement.
With an emphasis on the basin’s cotton-growing regions, Ms Beeston has spent several years supporting locally informed water management and working closely with irrigators, industry groups and regional communities.
Through roles with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and the One Basin CRC, Ms Beeston has contributed to projects that improve how water is shared, valued and managed across catchments.
Her work has focused on ensuring communities and industry have access to research outcomes grounded in practical engagement, reflecting on-the-ground realities and supporting resilient rural communities.
Marti will join the team from 6 October.
ACH committee changes
Australian Custom Harvesters has appointed a new executive committee comprising president Matthew Bourke, vice president and secretary Daniel Mutch and treasurer Derrick Barnes.
Mr Bourke replaces Damian Talbot who has been thanked by ACH for his dedicated service and leadership over his four-year term.
“We’re excited to welcome an enthusiastic and committed new executive committee, ready to continue the advocacy, impact and community that ACH is proud to stand for.” ACH said in a social media post dated August 26.
Daniel Mutch, Matthew Bourke, and Derrick Barnes with outgoing president Damian Talbot (centre left), Talbot Ag Contracting, Dubbo.
The new committee’s are each involved in their own family contracting businesses, Mr Bourke being from Bourke Harvesting at Tungamah, Vic, Daniel Mutch of Mutch’s Contracting, Balmoral, Vic, and Derrick Barnes of Barnes Ag Contract Harvesting, Bordertown, SA.
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