This month’s agricultural appointments include Scott Hansen as APVMA appointed CEO, and Tasmanian MP Julie Collins as Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
- Leaders named at APVMA
- Collins replaces Watt
- GPA appoints interim chief executive
- Wilson joins LDC
- ACSA gets first CEO
- Viterra’s Asser retires
- Merson sets up Sunrise
- NSW biosecurity appointments
- Vale Liz Alexander
- New CEO, chair for LLS
- CBH names new GAC members
- Joules joins RaboResearch team
- Hudson replaces Skinner at WOA
- NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarship winners
- Former Rabo, MLA economist joins agtech pioneer
Leaders named at APVMA
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has new leaders with Scott Hansen appointed as chief executive officer and Catherine Ainsworth named the Board chair.
Catherine Ainsworth
Mr Hansen will serve a five-year term from July 24 and brings a wealth of experience in the agricultural advocacy and government sector, such as nine years as the NSW DPI director general and ten years at Meat & Livestock Australia, including two as managing director.
Dr Ainsworth also has extensive experience in similar roles, such as director of Racing Analytical Services, the director and deputy chair of Harness Racing Victoria and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.
She will commence a four-year term from July 12.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said both appointments were an “important steps towards APVMA moving to a stronger future”.
“I want to congratulate both Dr Ainsworth and Mr Hansen and I’m looking forward to watching them continue to build a healthy culture of excellence within the APVMA,” Mr Watt said.
Collins replaces Watt
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday announced Tasmanian MP Julie Collins will replace Queensland Senator Murray Watt as the new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and continue in her role as Minister for Small Business.
Anthony Chisholm
Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm was named as the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, alongside other roles as Assistant Minister for Education and Assistant Minister for Regional Development.
Prior to being elected to the seat of Franklin in 2007, Ms Collins worked in administrative positions for state government departments and Tasmanian Labor MPs.
Grain Producers Australia chair Barry Large welcomed the new appointments and acknowledged the service of Mr Watt.
“We welcome continued engagement and close collaboration to ensure this support is fair and equitable and pragmatic, and the voice of Australian grain producers is clearly understood and included in decision making and policy development processes,” Mr Large said.
GPA Interim Chief Executive Pete Arkle said the organisation looked forward “to meeting with Minister Collins and Senator Chisholm again in the near future” to discuss the challenges growers face producing food and fibre sustainability and affordably, with more certainty.
“It is important that we work together to ensure grain producers can continue playing our vital part doing the work we do to make grains one of the biggest contributors to the agricultural economy and therefore the street of our local communities, small businesses in regional communities and the nation,” Mr Arkle said.
GPA appoints interim chief executive
Renowned agricultural leader Pete Arkle will be stepping into an interim chief executive role with Grain Producers Australia while existing chief executive Colin Bettles remains on leave for health reasons.
GPA interim chief executive Pete Arkle. Photo: NSW Farmers
Mr Arkle has a proven track record in leadership and agriculture, having previously held the position of Chief Executive Officer with NSW Farmers from 2018 to late 2023 and before that, working in numerous roles with Syngenta, both in Australia and globally.
GPA Chair Barry Large said Mr Arkle was well placed to take on the CE role and would maintain the strong position of the organisation and its ability to advocate for grain producers.
“Pete is a very knowledgeable and experienced leader and brings with him useful insight into the broader agricultural industry, both in Australia and overseas,” Mr Large said.
Mr Large said the GPA Board was committed to supporting Mr Bettles throughout his recovery from injuries recently sustained while overseas and in his return to GPA.
Mr Arkle said he was grateful he could aid GPA and Mr Bettles in what was difficult and unexpected circumstances.
“Australia agriculture’s greatest asset is its people, and Col is up there with the best – in tough times you’ve got to lean in, and I’m pleased to be able to do this for Colin and GPA,” he said.
Wilson joins LDC
Highly experienced pulse trader, broker and industry representative Peter Wilson has been appointed as Louis Dreyfus Company’s manager trader and origination – pulses.
“I’ll be working with the team to build our global pulse-trading platform, with primary responsibilty for Australia,” Mr Wilson said.
From his base on Queensland’s Darling Downs, Mr Wilson will also continue as the chair of Grains Australia’s inaugural Pulse Council.
Mr Wilson started in the industry as an agronomist prior to joining the Australian Wheat Board as a pulses and oilseeds trader in 1990.
He has since been based in Canada and Australia for global pulse specialist JK, and on the Downs for Australian Milling Group, as well as operating independently.
Mr Wilson was chair of the now-defunct Pulse Australia from 2011-2016, and is a Global Pulse Confederation board member.
ACSA gets first CEO
The Australian Cotton Shippers Association has appointed Jules Willis as its inaugural chief executive officer.
Jules Willis
Commencing in the role on July 8, Ms Willis has already engaged with ACSA members and stakeholders across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Ms Willis brings a broad range of expertise to the Australian cotton industry, with comprehensive knowledge, experience and capability in advocacy and promotion with an export market development focus, having held similar roles in the Australian seafood and horticulture industries.
ACSA chair Tony Geitz said Ms Willis will implement and deliver ACSA’s five-year strategic plan, which focuses on collaborating, leading, and executing ACSA’s contribution to the industry’s strategy around traceability, sustainability, and data.
“Jules promises to be an engaging strategic thinker, collaborator, trade advisor and industry advocate,” Ms Geitz said.
Ms Willis said she was excited and honoured to take on the position.
“I am committed to steering the association’s activities and projects to enhance the reputation of Australian cotton internationally and position ACSA as a leader in the industry,” Ms Willis said.
Viterra’s Asser retires
Lyndon Asser.
Viterra senior commercial manager Lyndon Asser is retiring after 35 years working with the company.
He began in 1989 at the Australian Barley Board, then the single-desk exporter of Victorian and South Australian barley, as a treasury analyst, before moving to a role focused on domestic feedgrains trading, then as the barley trading division lead.
His international experience began in Geneva, Switzerland in 2011, followed by Rotterdam, The Netherlands in 2012 as joint head of Glencore Agriculture’s global barley desk before Mr Asser returned to Australia as the Viterra senior commercial manager.
“I have loved the ag industry, the work, and the people within and outside Viterra since the day I started,” Mr Asser said.
He has held key positions in the grain industry, including Australian Grain Exporters Council president, board member of Grain Trade Australia and the Grain Industry Market Access Forum, and remains engaged in advisory capacities with the Grains Australia Grain Market Access Council and the ISCC technical working group.
“Lyndon has been a fantastic ambassador for Viterra and the Australian grain industry,” Viterra chief operations officer Philip Hughes said.
“His dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment have been invaluable.”
Merson sets up Sunrise
Experienced Toowoomba-based trader, broker and manager Scott Merson has established his own business, Sunrise Commodities.
Scott Merson
Working independently, Mr Merson is now operating as a broker for growers, primarily in Qld and northern NSW, as well as consulting on projects.
Since entering the grain industry in 2015, Mr Merson worked as a trader and regional manager with Emerald Grain before joining Rain Agribusiness.
“I really enjoyed my time at RainAg, but the time came to step out on my own to use my contacts and experience to service clients and work with the trade in the region and beyond,” Mr Merson said.
Mr Merson is also president of the Queensland Agricultural Merchants, a role he took on in September 2022.
NSW biosecurity appointments
Marion Healy PSM
NSW has appointed its first independent biosecurity commissioner in Marion Healy, while Rachel Connell has been named as the deputy secretary of Agriculture and Biosecurity in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Dr Healy’s appointment follows her tenure as interim commissioner, which commenced in June 2023.
“I have spent many years working to protect our industries and environment from pests and diseases and I very much look forward to working hand in hand with government, land holders and communities utilising the strong and valuable relationships I have built during my career,” Dr Healy said.
She holds a PhD in molecular genetics and has over 20 years of experience in senior roles across government and industry.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said Dr Healy will provide independent and impartial advice to the parliament and government on the program’s effectiveness and opportunities for improvement.
“Congratulations to Dr Healy; I look forward to working with her on the big task ahead of ensuring our states farmers and regional communities can continue to thrive, with confidence that the NSW Government is taking biosecurity seriously,” Mr Minns said.
Liz Alexander. Photo: Cotton Australia
Vale Liz Alexander
The Australian cotton industry is mourning the death of Emerald’s Liz Alexander.
Ms Alexander left a lasting legacy at Cotton Australia, as the Central Highlands regional manager from 2001 to 2004, and board director from 2011 to 2013, as well as being on the Cotton Research Development Corporation board from 2014 to 2020 and Plant Health Australia from 2013 to 2021.
She was pivotal in the transition of Sunwater’s Theodore Channel Distribution scheme to Theodore Water, chairing the various stages of local-management arrangements through to the incorporation of Theodore Water in late 2016.
Cotton Australia offered its sincere condolences to Ms Alexander’s husband Doug and sons, Fletcher and Brodie.
“Throughout her career, Liz served agriculture through various roles where she worked tirelessly and passionately for the betterment of all aspects of regional development, agriculture, and innovation,” Cotton Australia said in a statement.
“With the loss of Liz, the Australian cotton industry and agriculture have lost a true champion.”
New CEO, chair for LLS
Agribusiness owner and manager Tess Herbert has been appointed as the new Local Land Services Board chair, while Kate Lorimer-Ward has been named as the organisation’s new CEO.
Tess Herbert
Ms Herbert brings to the position more than 30 years’ experience in the Australian red-meat industry, in agriculture policy, research and development, and in marketing and government.
A former Central Tablelands LLS Board member, Ms Herbert holds a Masters in Agribusiness from the University of Melbourne and has extensive committee experience, including her current work as the Grains Industry Sustainability Framework Governance Council independent chair.
With her husband Andrew, Ms Herbert runs a feedlot for about 6000 head of cattle outside Eugowra in the Lachlan Valley, where they also crop, and run 2000 sheep, as well as breeding Angus cattle.
Ms Lorimer-Ward has extensive experience at the NSW DPI based at Orange with six years as deputy director general, five as group director – education and regional services and another five years as leader – climate change in agriculture.
Ms Herbert began her four-year term as the Local Land Services Board Chair on July 1.
CBH names new GAC members
The CBH Group has named four new members to its Growers’ Advisory Council: Kylie Tremlett, Carnamah; Jo Ashworth, Goodlands; Shaun Kalajzic, Cadoux; and Blair Humphry, Walebing.
Each councillor has been appointed for a four-year term, commencing from July 1.
The four positions became available due to the expiry of the terms of sitting councillors: Noel Heinrich, Carnamah; Tony White, Miling; Graham Ralph, Dowerin; and Bruce Trevaskis, Jerramungup.
The GAC is an integral part of CBH, consisting of 16 Western Australian growers who provide a link between growers and their co-operative.
“I look forward to working with the new members of the GAC and advocating for WA growers, current and future,” CBH chair Simon Stead said.
“I would also like to thank our outgoing members for their time and commitment to improving our co-operative and the livelihoods of WA growers.”
Joules joins RaboResearch team
Rabobank has announced the appointment of Paul Joules to its team of Australian and New Zealand research analysts.
Mr Joules has relocated from Rabobank’s London-based global agri commodity markets research division, and will be responsible for delivering insights and knowledge on the cotton sector, as well as covering farm inputs within the bank’s RaboResearch team.
RaboResearch general manager Stefan Vogel said Mr Joules had strong knowledge and experience across a broad range of global grain, oilseed and soft commodity markets.
Paul Joules
“Paul’s strong knowledge and understanding of global agri commodity markets will be a great asset in providing meaningful insights and high-quality research for the bank’s food and agri clients in Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Vogel said.
Prior to joining Rabobank in 2021, Mr Joules worked as a commodity analyst for an independent consultancy which focused on assisting UK-based farmers market their grains and oilseeds.
He grew up and worked on a mixed dairy and arable farm in West Wales and holds a degree in Business Management from the University of the West of England.
Hudson replaces Skinner at WOA
Western Australian agrifood company, Wide Open Agriculture, has appointed Hannah Hudson as its new chief financial officer.
Ms Hudson takes over from Matthew Skinner who has been acting as WOA’s interim CEO since March.
Ms Hudson is a qualified chartered accountant with 20 years of finance experience across listed companies, agribusiness and the resources sector.
Her experience in regulatory reporting, governance, project evaluation and international mergers and acquisitions will be instrumental in driving WOA’s growth and operational efficiency.
Mr Skinner said WOA was “thrilled to welcome Hannah to our executive team”.
“Her breadth of experience and proven track record in financial management and governance will be pivotal as we continue to scale our operations and enhance our compliance framework,” Mr Skinner said.
NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarship winners with Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty and Premier Chris Minns. Photo: NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarship winners
Five future rural leaders have been named as the successful recipients of the NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarships at the organisation’s annual conference this month.
Each year, NSW Farmers awards five tertiary scholarships to members or their children to support their university or vocational qualification in a field relevant to regional and rural Australia.
NSW Farmers rural affairs committee chair Deb Charlton said the scholarships had a proven track record of helping the next generation find their passion in agriculture and rural communities, with this year’s cohort already showing exceptional potential in their chosen field.
“These students have shown a clear commitment to their studies, and I have no doubt each and every one of our recipients has the potential to make a real difference within regional communities through their chosen career,” Ms Charlton said.
The 2024 NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarship recipients were:
• George Hatty, Matong, E.L. O’Brien Scholarship;
• Jennifer Corderoy, Narromine, John White Memorial Scholarship;
• Ellie Peart, Gulargambone, Alan Chapman Memorial Scholarship;
• Andrew Newton, Gurley, Graham Blatch Memorial Goobang Scholarship;
• Ann Porter, Forbes River, Paul Lockyer Memorial Scholarship.
Former Rabo, MLA economist joins agtech pioneer
Former Rabobank and MLA economist Bill Cordingley has joined agtech company Biolevel as CEO.
Bill Cordingley
Biolevel is a global biological nutrition company dedicated to developing and delivering a new generation of soil biology enhancement products that benefit farmers. A senior executive of 19 years at Rabobank in both New York and Sydney, Mr Cordingley most recently served as the bank’s global head of grains, oilseeds and sugar in its corporate finance group.
His wealth of global agribusiness finance experience, and leadership expertise, positioned Biolevel for a new phase of rapid growth to become a global biologicals market leader, the company said.
“He’s a well-respected leader with a sharp commercial acumen, a strong track record of building winning teams and establishing deep client relationships, and he has a passion for agriculture,” the company said.
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