where minds meet for the greater good

AgriMinds was formed in 2010 by several senior agricultural industry executives concerned for the future world supply of food. The group has expanded to combine the experience of scientists, farmers, and technical and management experts from a wide variety of food and fibre- producing backgrounds. AgriMinds meets monthly, to evaluate trends, explore issues of current agricultural industry importance, and share their combined knowledge.

meet the members of agriminds

Dr Stephen Carroll – Co Founder Current Chairman of AgriMinds, former Equity Partner of Geddes Parker & Partners Executive Search specialising in senior agriculture appointments, CEO of National Meat Association, General Manager AUS-MEAT, Director of Animal Health Services NSW Department of Agriculture, and a large animal veterinarian. — **Dr Stephen Carroll** – Co Founder

Current Chairman of AgriMinds, former Equity Partner of Geddes Parker & Partners Executive Search specialising in senior agriculture appointments, CEO of National Meat Association, General Manager AUS-MEAT, Director of Animal Health Services NSW Department of Agriculture, and a large animal veterinarian.

Claude Gauchat - Co FounderFormer Chair of Agrifood, and Agricultural Biotechnology Council Australia, currently chair of several Hort Innovation strategic investment panels — **Claude Gauchat** - Co Founder
Co-chair of Sydney Health Partners’ consumer advisory panel and previously was co-chair of the Partnership Advisory Council at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Hospital. Claude retired in 2022 and has over 50 years of board and executive experience in agribusiness. Appointments include chair of Strategic Investment Advisory Panels with Horticulture Innovation and formerly chair of the Agricultural Biotechnology Council Australia.

**John Baker**
Founder of Produce Marketing Australia, providing marketing services for the Australian and international fresh produce industry. Previously Managing Director of the Australian Horticultural Corporation, following two decades with NSW Department of Agriculture.

**Dave Anthony AM**
Agronomist and Farm Manager, with over 40 years in the Australian cotton industry he held various positions including General Manager, COO, Managing Director and Chair of Auscott Limited, Deputy Chair of Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Chair of Cotton Catchment Communities CRC, Directorships of Plant Biosecurity CRC, Cotton Seed Distributors, Cargill Oilseeds Aust, and Australian Cotton Growers Research Association. Joint founder of Career Harvest, Knowing and Growing (was Yogurt Tree project), SOILpak. Council member of several NSW Ministerial Advisory Councils and currently Chair of Tocal Advisory Council.

Warwick Scherf Extensive experience in executive management roles with multi-faceted public and private organisations in the food and agribusiness sectors including Goodman Fielder Ltd and Horticulture Innovation Australia. — **Warwick Scherf**
Extensive experience in executive management roles with multi-faceted public and private organisations in the food and agribusiness sectors including Goodman Fielder Ltd and Horticulture Innovation Australia.

Mike CahillA former Chairman of Agriminds, Mike is a television writer-producer and co founder of Digital Farm TV — **Mike Cahill**
A former Chairman of Agriminds, Mike is a television writer-producer and co founder of Digital Farm TV

**Kara Rushworth**
A risk and compliance advisor in global markets, specialising in global commodities and an advocate for sustainability governance. Non-executive director, advisory board member, certified professional fellow auditor and chartered banker. With over 20 years experience as an entrepreneur in the horticultural industry, Kara is passionate about making a difference in natural capital management, agribusiness, a decarbonised economy and ensuring nature's wealth counts.

**Grahame Turk AM**

Former CEO/ Managing Director and Chairman Sydney Fish Market. Held senior management positions in diverse industries such as industrial gases, heavy engineering and manufacturing, steel and foodservice distribution and served on several industry and government boards and advisory bodies.

Christine Hawkins AM Corporate advisor and company director, expertise in research and development, industry structures and governance. Experience across global agricultural production, marketing, supply chains, biosecurity and the environment. Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Chair and non-executive director of several companies and former Chair of Wheat Quality Australia Ltd, Go Grains Health & Nutrition Ltd, Deputy Chair of Grains Research and Development Corporation and several wool industry organisations. Honorary Life Member of Nuffield Australia. — **Christine Hawkins AM**
Corporate advisor and company director, with extensive experience in primary industries across global agricultural production and marketing, supply chains, biosecurity, environmental and natural resource management. Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Provides governance and structuring advice including to agricultural organisations and committees within government. Chair and non-executive director of several companies. Former Chair of Wheat Quality Australia Ltd, Go Grains Health & Nutrition Ltd, Deputy Chair of Grains Research and Development Corporation and several wool industry organisations. Honorary Life Member of Nuffield Australia. Currently Chair of the Audit and Risk Committees of the NSW Environment Protection Authority and NSW Local Land Services and a member of the committees for the Legislature, NSW Parliament and the Western Parkland City Authority.

Gerard McEvillyFormerly with HAL, is now focused on agriculture value chain collaborative research at Horticulture Supply Chain Services — **Gerard McEvilly**
Independent consultant in international development, managing agricultural research programs for commercial and social outcomes. Previous senior roles in research management with Horticulture Australia Limited (now HIA) and in private enterprise, together with climate change mitigation studies and lecturing in Horticultural Supply Chains at the University of Sydney.

Chris Russell AMAnimal Scientist, Agribusinessman and former National President and current Chair of the Ethics Committee of the Australian Institute of Agriculture; Former Judge on ABC TV "New Inventors" series and Correspondent on NZ "NewsTalk ZB"… — **Chris Russell AM**
Animal Scientist, Agribusinessman and former National President and current Chair of the Ethics Committee of the Australian Institute of Agriculture; Former Judge on ABC TV "New Inventors" series and Correspondent on NZ "NewsTalk ZB" radio. Host of the “AgriMinders” podcast series.

**John Webster**
Independent Chair, Fight Food Waste Ltd (Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre and Stop Food Waste Australia), Chairman of the National Fruit Fly Council, Chairman Safemeat, Chairman Red Meat Panel, Sheep Producers Australia, Board Selection Committee. Previously National CEO of Foodbank, Managing Director of Horticulture Australia, and various management roles with Meat and Livestock Australia and AMLC.

Ray Heckendorf

Co-creator of the Agriminds brand and Agriminders podcast, Ray is co-owner of Heccentric Ideas, and Citadel Creative Co-Operative.

Heccentric communications ideas from Ray and his collaborators have created major market success for companies in agriculture, food, beverage, health care, as well as media, music, automotive and many retail marketers.

Dr Bruce Standen AMFormer Independent Director of Sydney Fish Market, and CEO of Australian Meat & Livestock Corporation. — **Dr Bruce Standen AM**
Former Independent Director of Sydney Fish Market, and CEO of Australian Meat & Livestock Corporation.

**Dr Turlough Guerin**
CEO NSW Landcare, formerly an Agricultural chemist and NSW Government sustainability advisor to businesses, Federal, State and Local Government. Also formerly Chair of Ag Institute of Australia and an environmental manager in telecommunications, construction, resources and renewable energy.

Stephen MorganSteve Morgan's eponymously named company is an agribusiness finance specialist. Stephen was formerly Chief Manager Agribusiness at CBA — **Stephen Morgan**
Steve Morgan's eponymously named company is an agribusiness finance specialist. Stephen was formerly Chief Manager Agribusiness at CBA

David PalmerFormer CEO of MLA, now director or chairman on a range of agricultural boards and committees — **David Palmer**
Former CEO of MLA, now director or chairman on a range of agricultural boards and committees

David BoydFormer GM- Rural, Dalgety, Chair & CEO of Clyde Agriculture, now Chairman McGarvie Smith Institute, an agricultural research fund — **David Boyd**
Former Chairman and CEO Clyde Agriculture, Director John Swire and Sons (Australia), GM-Rural Dalgety, Chairman McGarvie Smith, Deputy Chairman Cotton Australia, Director Australian Wool Exchange, Director Australian Wool Innovation and Wool International.

**Brondwen MacLean**
Former General Manager, Research at the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), with over 25 years’ experience across Australian agricultural industries, including working with many of the rural RDCs, Cooperative Research Centres and Drought, Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs. A non-executive director on several agricultural related boards, and a member of Sugar Research Australia’s Research Funding Panel. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a consultant with Directors Australia, providing governance insights and strategies for organisations to govern effectively. A mentor for many years in NFF’s Diversity in Agricultural Leadership Program. A strong supporter of increasing diversity in leadership in Australian agriculture.

Dr Peter BarnardManaging Director of Oliver & Dohm independent consultancy providing economic and policy advice to agricultural sector, and formerly General Manager International Market Access, Meat & Livestock Australia. — **Dr Peter Barnard**
Managing Director of Oliver & Doam independent consultancy providing economic and policy advice to agricultural sector, and formerly General Manager International Market Access, Meat & Livestock Australia.

Dr Helen Scott-Orr AM PSMFormer Australian Inspector-General of Biosecurity, Executive Director Research, Advisory and Education with NSW Agriculture, NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Director Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication, and served on the boards of Animal Health Australia and the Cooperative Research Centres for Invasive Animals, Weeds, Beef, Sheep, Cotton and Rice. — **Dr Helen Scott-Orr AM PSM**
Former Australian Inspector-General of Biosecurity, Executive Director Research, Advisory and Education with NSW Agriculture, NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Director Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication, and served on the boards of Animal Health Australia and the Cooperative Research Centres for Invasive Animals, Weeds, Beef, Sheep, Cotton and Rice.

Richard De Vos Management consulting to agriculture organisations and statutory authorities, Independent Chairman of Strategic Investment Advisory Panels to Horticulture Innovation, formerly CEO of Nursery & Garden Industry of Australia, CEO of Milk Marketing Ltd. — **Richard De Vos**
Management consulting to agriculture organisations and statutory authorities, Independent Chairman of Strategic Investment Advisory Panels to Horticulture Innovation, formerly CEO of Nursery & Garden Industry of Australia, CEO of Milk Marketing Ltd.

Phillip Mulvey Founder and Managing Director of Environmental Earth Sciences International (EESI) and Board Member of Federal Committee of Soils Australia, formerly involved with building construction, development and rehabilitation of degraded lands in different parts of the world. — **Phillip Mulvey**
Founder and Managing Director of Environmental Earth Sciences International (EESI) and Board Member of Federal Committee of Soils Australia, formerly involved with building construction, development and rehabilitation of degraded lands in different parts of the world.

Dr David LeeceFormer Executive Director and Chief Scientist of the NSW Environment Protection Authority, and a Deputy Commissioner of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission. — **Dr David Leece AM PSM**
Former Executive Director (Environmental Science) and Chief Scientist of the NSW Environment Protection Authority, and a New South Wales Deputy Commissioner of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission. Later, a part-time Assistant Commissioner, Natural Resources Commission of New South Wales. Early career was as a research scientist (Phytophysiologist – plant nutrition) in the Chemistry Branch, NSW Department of Agriculture.

Dr Daniel Tan Professor of Agronomy at Sydney University and Faculty of Science Postgraduate Coursework Program Director, formerly Senior Lecturer and Lecturer in agronomy at the University, and executive management/planning roles with hotels and re… — **Dr Daniel Tan**
Professor of Agronomy at Sydney University and Faculty of Science Postgraduate Coursework Program Director, formerly Senior Lecturer and Lecturer in agronomy at the University, and executive management/planning roles with hotels and resorts in SE Asia.

**Sarah Hunter**
A business and board advisor, Sarah is Chair of Ag Institute Australia, a consumer representative on the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW and a strategy consultant. She is the former Commercial Director of Virbac Australia and was twice recognised, in that role, as a NSW finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Les Targ Independent Chairman of the National Auction Selling Committee for Wool, formerly consultant to Sheep CRC, Deputy CEO of Australian Wool Innovation, CEO of ADI Limited and senior executive roles in the Commonwealth Public Service. — **Les Targ**
Independent Chairman of the National Auction Selling Committee for Wool, formerly consultant to Sheep CRC, Deputy CEO of Australian Wool Innovation, CEO of ADI Limited and senior executive roles in the Commonwealth Public Service.