MALLEE Sustainable Farming has named Steve Burt as its new independent chair.
Mr Burt will be joined on the board by specialist director David Campbell. Both will bring valuable experience and expertise that will be instrumental in driving business growth.
Mr Burt is a successful entrepreneur and business leader in agribusiness.
As managing director of Turfbreed Pty Ltd, he has been responsible for driving the company’s growth and success.
MSF said Mr Burt, with his experience in managing multiple businesses, including grain trading company PentAG Nidera Pty Ltd, and his position as a non-executive director of AMPS Agribusiness, would bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Mr Campbell has worked at executive level in agribusiness, government, research institutions and not-for-profits, and brings perspective and experience from agriculture, biotechnology, and education.
As an early advocate of no-till farming, and part of the team which undertook the first yield mapping in eastern Australia, he has played an active role in shaping agriculture.
“Mallee Sustainable Farming has rapidly evolved from a small business to a medium-sized business,” Mr Burt said.
“This growth signals an exciting new era for the enterprise, and we need to make sure the right systems, processes and people are in place to ensure this growth can continue sustainably.”
Mr Campbell: “As a new director, one key question I will be asking is how do members see MSF supporting them in being sustainable farmers, productively, environmentally, and economically?”
Both men see great opportunity to make MSF a more significant player in the RD&E space, particularly with managing climate change.
“Agriculture is changing,” Mr Burt said. “Energy availability, agripolitics, and carbon capture are something we need to understand and address.
“The sustainability and profitability of farmers in the Mallee is an imperative that we need to get right.
“The Mallee covers three states and a wide range of agricultural conditions.
“On top of the usual farming challenges, growers in the region face climate volatility as well.
“I want our members to be part of the next phase of discovery, unlocking agricultural potential and developing strategies for dealing with the impact of climate change.”
