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SHARING SKILLS. STEPPinG AHEAD. An advanced business skills summit for women of WA farm businesses
6 & 7 April 2016
2 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
CONTENTS
FINAL PROGRAM ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
DAY 1 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Todd Charteris - The Global Future of Agriculture & the opportunities it brings Australian farmers ...................... 8
Laura Grubb - The Next Generation in Agriculture ....................................................................................................... 8
Steve Kelly - Advice I wish clients would take on board: Banker ................................................................................. 9
Judy Snell - Advice I wish clients would take on board: Accountant ........................................................................... 9
Cameron Weeks - Advice I wish clients would take on board: Farm management consultant ............................... 10
Shannah Kennedy - Simplify, Structure, Succeed – getting the best out of yourself .............................................. 11
DAY 2 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Andrew Huffer- Team dynamics and development tools .......................................................................................... 14
Kim Tyrer – Overcoming Adversity .............................................................................................................................. 15
Gerri Hinkley – Overcoming Adversity: Overcoming Managing Adversity ................................................................ 16
Julie Murray - Overcoming Adversity .......................................................................................................................... 17
Tracy Lefroy - Technology & Social Media: the Cranmore Home experience............................................................ 18
Brad Jones - Technology & Social Media: The cloud - can provide more than just rain ........................................... 19
Boyd Brown - Technology & Social Media: Mobile Telecommunications in rural WA .............................................. 20
Libby Browne – Farm Succession: A bumpy road ....................................................................................................... 21
Catherine Watkins – Farm Succession ......................................................................................................................... 21
Judy Snell – Succession: Fundamentals on how to approach and manage succession. ........................................... 22
Natalie Bowman – Boards & Governance: Bowman Farming – our board in practice ............................................. 23
Erin Gorter – Boards & Governance: Building strength and value in agriculture and communities, underpinned by
good governance .......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Greg Kirk – Boards & Governance: How and Why Growers should adopt better governance processes. .............. 25
Tracey Ebert - Employment & Safety: Being a Better Boss – Employer of Choice .................................................... 26
Tara Vermeersch – Employment & Safety: Industrial Relations – the political grenade .......................................... 27
Maree Gooch – Employment & Safety: Farm Safety Is Everyone’s Business …. because people are the most
important asset ............................................................................................................................................................ 28
Colin De Grussa – Efficient Offices: My paperless office system ................................................................................ 29
Julie Ramm – Office Efficiencies: My experience with utilising the Agrimaster program to its potential. .............. 30
Kate Keamy – Efficient Offices: Managing & understanding your finances to improve business performance…. .. 31
Margo Halbert – Influential Communication: Inspiring yourself & others ................................................................ 32
RAB00316-11570
We’re focused on your community’s growth Proud sponsor of the Inspire Summit 2016
We’re an agribusiness bank. That’s why we’re committed to the growth of your communities and businesses. Our local experts live and work where you do. This exclusive focus is just one of the reasons we have the most satisfied clients in the industry, and it’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Inspire Summit 2016.
Rabobank. One focus.
Call us on 1300 30 30 33 or visit www.rabobank.com.au
4 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
FINAL PROGRAM
SHARING SKILLS. STEPPinG AHEAD. An advanced business skills summit for women of WA farm businesses.
DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY 6th APRIL
1.00 pm ARRIVE & REGISTER – functions foyer & alfresco
1.30 pm WELCOME & OPENING ADDRESS Nicole Batten - Partners in Grain, WA Chair (Outgoing)
Julianne Hill - MC
AFTERNOON THEME: You & Your Business in the Global Game of Agriculture
1.50 pm The global future of agriculture & the opportunities it brings Australian farmers
Todd Charteris – National Manager, Rabobank
2.25 pm The Next Generation in Agriculture. Inspiration from the international Youth-Ag Summit
Laura Grubb – Youth-Ag Delegate & WA AGvocate
3.00 pm AFTERNOON TEA – functions foyer & alfresco
3.20 pm Panel Session: Strengthening farm business decisions – Key piece/s of advice I wish clients would take on board.
Banker: Steve Kelly - Acting State Manager, Rabobank
Consultant: Cameron Weeks - Farm Management Consultant, Planfarm
Accountant: Judy Snell - Partner, RSM
4.15 pm Simplify, Structure, Succeed – getting the best out of yourself
Shannah Kennedy – Personal Coach, Speaker& Author
5.15 pm CLOSE DAY 1
Julianne Hill & Nicole Batten
SUNDOWNER
6 – 8 pm: The Historic Ballroom
www.partnersingrain.org.au pingwa1 partnersingrainwa
Please:
• Be prompt to all sessions
• Ensure mobiles and tablets are switched to silent.
• Wear your name badge for the duration of the Summit (including the Sundowner)
• Provide feedback via the Evaluation forms
• Make the most of the opportunity to enjoy yourself, meet new people and mix business with pleasure.
5 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
DAY 2 - THURSDAY 7th APRIL
8.00 am ARRIVE & REGISTER – functions foyer & alfresco
8.15 am WELCOME
Bronwyn Fox - Partners in Grain, WA Chair (Incoming)
Julianne Hill - MC
OPENING THEME: Understanding People
8.30 am Team Dynamics & Development Tools
Andrew Huffer – Facilitator & Stakeholder Engagement Consultant
CONCURRENTS THEME: Sharing Skills – Grower Perspectives
VENUE: PAGODA A HISTORIC BALLROOM PAGODA BCD
9.40 am Overcoming Adversity Lessons from losing key people
Systems for the unexpected
Kim Tyrer, Galafrey Wines, Mt Barker
Gerri Hinkley, Tincurrin
Julie Murray, Lawfield Legal Practice
Chair: Partners in Grain
Technology & Social Media My success with social media
Utilising the cloud Telecommunications in rural WA
Tracy Lefroy, Cranmore Home, Moora
Brad Jones, Tammin
Boyd Brown, Telstra
Chair: Katrina MacMillan, Rabobank
Succession Our succession experiences
Strategies for succession
Libby Browne, Eneabba
Catherine Watkins, Kukerin
Judy Snell, RSM
Chair: Joanne Gilbert, RSM
10.40 am MORNING TEA – functions foyer & alfresco
11.10 am Boards & Governance Our farm advisory board
Governance – why, how & the opportunities
Natalie Bowman, Grass Patch
Erin Gorter, Kojonup
Greg Kirk, Planfarm
Chair: Greg Kirk, Planfarm
Employment & Safety Simplifying HR & IR on farm
OHS Essentials
Tara Vermeersch, Cascade
Tracey Ebert, Ravensthorpe
Maree Gooch, Farmsafe WA Alliance
On hand for questions: Worksafe
Chair: Maree Gooch, Farmsafe WA Alliance
Efficient Offices My paperless system
Efficiencies with Agrimaster & owning financials
Colin De Grussa, Esperance
Julie Ramm, Dumbleyung
Kate Keamy, Watheroo
Chair: Partners in Grain
12.10 pm Overcoming Adversity (Repeated)
Technology & Social Media (Repeated)
Efficient Offices (Repeated)
1.10 pm LUNCH – Waterwall restaurant & alfresco
2.00 pm Boards & Governance (Repeated)
Employment & Safety (Repeated)
Succession (Repeated)
CLOSING THEME: Stepping Ahead – Inspiring Yourself & Others
3.00 pm Influential Communication – Using what you’ve learnt to inspire, engage and influence
Margo Halbert – Executive & Leadership Coach
3.40 pm SUMMIT CLOSE
Julianne Hill & Bronwyn Fox
4.00 pm DEPART
6 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
DAY 1
Over 40 years of Benchmark data and service to WA farmers and their businesses.
Need consistency and reliability in your Farm Consultancy Services?
Planfarm, with its team based in our offices throughout WA, offer a long term consistent approach
to modern Farm Business Management.We provide a wide range of services including Farm Business Consulting, Grain Marketing, Agronomy,
Succession planning, VRT and Property Purchase Feasibility.
To see how Planfarm can help your business, please contact one of our team.
Contact Planfarm atNortham: 9622 8202 Geraldton: 9964 1170Narrogin: 9881 1422 Perth: 9284 1044
Web www.planfarm.com.au
8 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Todd Charteris - The Global Future of Agriculture
Rabobank, Sydney
About Todd:
Todd Charteris is Rabobank’s National Manager for Country Banking leading 61 branches in Australia.
Todd has been with Rabobank for 16 years and prior to relocating to Sydney was formerly the bank’s State
Manager for Victoria and before that regional manager for East Coast New Zealand.
Originally raised on a farm in the southern region of the South Island, Todd, completed a bachelor of Commerce
with a Finance major at the University of Otago. Todd has career experience as a livestock agent, time in
investment banking and finance in London, and an agri-lender with Rabobank.
Laura Grubb - The Next Generation in Agriculture
2015 Youth AG summit – Canberra AUS
Mobile: 0447672272
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @lauragrubb92
About Laura:
A recent Murdoch University Animal Science graduate, Laura grew up between the Kimberley and Perth. Her
passion for agriculture was fostered by her exposure to the many different production systems her family are
involved in, from crayfishing right through to beef production.
During her university career she has developed a strong interest in beef cattle production and meat science.
This passion coupled with a drive to get youth involved in agriculture has led to her involvement in many meat
and cattle judging competitions around Australia and was the 2013 Angus Youth Australia Illinois Scholar.
Upon her return to Australia, 2015 saw Laura's heavy involvement in advocating the youth's voice in agriculture
as the 2015 Angus Youth Beef Australia Scholar and her involvement in the 2015 Youth Ag Summit in Canberra.
Subsequently Laura was then selected as the developed world representative voice of youth in agriculture at
the United Nations Committee on World Food Security in Rome, Italy.
Three key messages:
1. Agriculture needs a new image to appeal to the up and coming generation
2. Businesses and industry bodies need to give youth a seat at the table and foster talent development
3. We each have a personal responsibility to be an AGvocate
9 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Steve Kelly - Advice I wish clients would take on board: Banker
Rabobank, WA
Mobile: 0427 427 251
Email: [email protected]
About Steve:
Steve Kelly has held the position of acting State Manager for Rabobank in Western Australia since October 2015.
Steve originates from a family grain and sheep property at Narembeen, 280km east of Perth. He holds
qualifications in both ‘agribusiness’ and ‘banking & finance’ from Curtin University and has worked at Rabobank
for the past 25 years, which includes 6 years as Branch Manager in Esperance, and 10 years as Regional
Manager for central and south east WA.
Steve is a recent graduate of Rabobank’s Executive Development Program – a business management program
which covers all aspects of rural enterprise management to help drive sustainable business growth.
Steve is married to Jacinta and has 2 sons, Ben (15) and Luke (13).
Judy Snell - Advice I wish clients would take on board: Accountant
RSM, Moora
Mobile: 0427 973 884
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.rsm.com.au
About Judy:
Judy is a Partner of RSM. She is the liaison director for regional Western Australia and is one of three directors
who manage the Eastern zone where she has extensive experience with many clients in the primary production
industry. She was appointed to the Executive Committee of RSM in 2015.
With over 15 years of experience with the firm, Judy provides advice to farmers and pastoralists on taxation
issues, self-managed super funds and succession planning for family owned businesses including major farming
interests. She has significant experience in providing accounting services to primary producers of the wool,
grain, meat and pastoral industries. Judy provides advice in areas including business solutions, rural accounting,
tax planning, and succession planning.
Judy is a Member of the Certified Practicing Accountants in Australia, Fellow of the Australian Institute of
Company Directors and Member of SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia.
Three key messages:
See Judy’s powerpoint presentation.
10 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Cameron Weeks - Advice I wish clients would take on board: Farm
management consultant
Planfarm (Floreat / Geraldton)
Mobile: 0427 006 944
Email: [email protected]
About Cameron:
Farm Management Consultant with Planfarm since 2005. Consult to clients spread across the Northern Ag
Region. Have worked in agriculture in the NAR since 1990. Moved from Geraldton to Perth to live just before
Xmas which is a big change having resided in Geraldton since 1993.
Wife Natalia and 3 boys (15, 13 & 8).
Interests include keeping reasonably fit so I can continue to drink beer without too much guilt, camping, water
sports and watching my boys play sport.
My great hope for 2016 is that Essendon wins at least one game (preferably against Carlton or Collingwood)!
Three key messages:
1. Advice – head and heart.
2. Work on the business not just in.
3. Communication.
11 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Shannah Kennedy - Simplify, Structure, Succeed – getting the best out
of yourself
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.shannahkennedy.com
About Shannah:
Shannah is a leading Australian business and life coach and is the author of bestseller Simplify, Structure,
Succeed and The Life Plan, Simple Strategies for a Meaningful Life.
Shannah works with leading business professionals worldwide on their personal and professional strategies
and provides the coaching and support needed for them to achieve their visions and goals.Throughout
her years of coaching, she’s found that clients share one commonality – most of them don’t need
motivation. They’re very successful people and they know what they need to do to reach their goals. What
they actually need is for things to be simplified, so they can dig themselves out of the clutter to find clarity
and purpose in their daily routines, and live a full life without self-destruction. They want to get back to
the foundations of who they are.
12 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
DAY 2
We can simplify complex accounting issues at the heart of your farm or business.
EMPOWERING YOU
EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
19 offices in WA including Perth, Moora and Albany
rsm.com.au
14 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Andrew Huffer- Team dynamics and development tools
Andrew Huffer and Associates, East Victoria Park
Mobile: 0429 470 285
Email: [email protected]
Social Media: @andrewhuffer
About Andrew:
Andrew leads a facilitation, community engagement, team development and training consultancy that supports
government, business and community organisations to do their best work.
His work takes him from Broome to Launceston; Perth to Port Moresby, Albany to Auckland.
He is an experienced facilitator and stakeholder engagement consultant with 22 years facilitation experience
and over 16 years in business.
In his consultancy role, Andrew has delivered over 820 workshops for a wide range of clients, using participatory
approaches to actively involve all people in contributing to effective outcomes. His approach is simple and
forthright, resulting in a strong track record in helping clients to make intelligent decisions and implement
lasting solutions.
In addition to running his own consultancy business, Andrew was a partner in a café business with his wife,
Georgie, for over eleven years. This has provided him with valuable hands-on experience in business
management, promotion and management of staff.
He regularly attends and presents at a range of state, national and international conferences and professional
development programs relating to facilitation, stakeholder engagement and event design and marketing.
Three key messages:
1. As a business leader (which you all are) you need to model the culture and behaviour that you want in
your workplace
2. You need a strong self-awareness to be able to understand, communicate and connect with others
3. Change your shoes. Walk in the shoes of your team and know what’s important to them
15 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Kim Tyrer – Overcoming Adversity
Galafrey Wines, Mt Barker
Mobile: 0418941551
Email: [email protected]
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/GALAFREYWINES/
https://twitter.com/GalafreyWines
https://www.instagram.com/galafreywines/
About Kim:
Kim Tyrer is the CEO & Winemaker of Galafrey Wines. Galafrey was established in 1977 and Kim was born in
1978. A family business, her father passed away in 2003 when Kim was 25 years old. An only child, Kim step into
her father’s role as CEO & Winemaker.
After a steep learning curve, and a few hurdles, Galafrey continues to be a strong and well respected brand in
the wine industry. Driven by pride and family history Kim market’s her wine through story and empowerment of
place. With strong leadership skills she is President of the Mt Barker Wine Producers, sits on the board of the
Great Southern Wine Producers and has been newly appointed to the Wine Industry APC Committee of WA. In
Event management she is Chair of Grapes and Gallops Festival which attracts 2000+ people to Mt Barker.
Mother of a six year old boy and one year old girl, Kim is looking forward to her near future of further
developing her skills as a winemaker, innovation in marketing and as a wine business and further leadership
roles within the wine industry.
Three key messages:
1. Have a game plan.
2. Take it one day at a time.
3. Redo your Business Plan but do it your way.
16 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Gerri Hinkley – Overcoming Adversity: Overcoming Managing
Adversity
Braeside Farm, DW & RJ Thomson – Tincurrin
Mobile: 04488 30403
Email: [email protected]
About Gerri:
I am co-owner and Director of the trading entity DW & RJ Thomson with my Dad, Don Thomson, operating
Braeside Farm, a 10,000ac broadacre mixed enterprise farm at Tincurrin. We crop wheat, oats and lupins with
3,000T on-farm storage capacity, run 5,000 breeding ewes and also operate a clover seed enterprise.
Through my parents’ careful succession planning, my 2 older brothers were happy and settled in Perth when
Wade and I returned to Tincurrin in 2006 to farm in partnership with Mum and Dad.
By 2011, things were humming – the farm was in great shape, my parents were looking to move off-farm to
start enjoying the fruits of their many years of labour and our working and family relationships were strong and
supportive. A car accident on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon set in motion a chain of events that no-one could
have foreseen and the aftershocks continue to shape our lives today.
I have been a CBH sampler, lawyer, ski lift operator and business development executive and I am currently a
farmer, a mum to two busy little boys, a Councillor for the Shire of Wickepin, a member of the Rabobank Client
Council in Narrogin and now a returned resident of Perth.
Three key messages:
1. Who do I know?
Now is the time to put in place the right, reliable people that you will need in the event the very worst
happens.
2. What would I do?
Talk about “Armageddon” in advance – discuss what options you might explore if it happens.
3. What will I do?
Trust your instincts, accept support from the people you need – and go easy on yourself.
17 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Julie Murray - Overcoming Adversity
Lawfield Legal Practice
9/11 Ventnor Ave
West Perth WA 6005
Mobile: 0437 832 003
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.lawfield.com.au
About Julie:
I am a lawyer working with Lawfield Legal Practice in West Perth with a particular interest in farming businesses
and succession planning. I have a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UWA.
I am also a farmer and farm a mixed farming operation (cropping and sheep) with my husband, Fraser, at
Tincurrin (3 hours SE of Perth). I have been living in Perth with our 3 children for the last 4 and half years so that
our children can attend schools in Perth so my husband has become a drive in drive out farmer.
Our children’s sport seems to provide us with great socialising opportunities and takes up much of my non-
working time. We enjoy watching them play and I am usually involved with coaching or managing one of their
teams. I also try to stay fit running and walking our farm dog who has the best of both worlds, chasing birds in
the city and sheep in the country.
Three key messages:
Managing adversity requires:
1. Communication
2. Planning
3. Review
18 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Tracy Lefroy - Technology & Social Media: the Cranmore Home
experience
Cranmore Home, Moora WA
Mobile: 0402 067 908
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @cranmorehome and @cranmorehomesale
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CRANMOREhome
Pinterest: Cranmore Home
Newsletter: sign up via the pop-up box on www.cranmorehome.com.au
About Tracey:
I am the owner and curator of Cranmore Home, an online and retail shop and interior consulting business
specialising in Australian-designed, ethically sourced homewares and artisan pieces.
My original career was based in agriculture. In 2001 I completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and my
honours was on the communication of science to industry. Post university I worked as an Agribusiness Analyst, a
Communications Manager, a freelance agricultural Journalist and worked on my family farm.
In 2005, I was the youngest recipient to be awarded a prestigious Nuffield Scholarship. Since then, I have been
farming with my husband, Kristin and his parents.
The seed for Cranmore Home was planted in 2010 shortly after my husband and I moved into our beautiful old
farmhouse. Three babies, three years and a once-off pop-up shop later I launched www.cranmorehome.com.au
and in 2014 opened a retail space in my hometown of Moora, WA.
Three key messages:
1. Choose the social media platform (s) that suit your business and personality
2. Keep it positive and punchy- push your personality but not yourself.
3. Be consistent.
19 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Brad Jones - Technology & Social Media: The cloud - can provide more
than just rain
Bungulla Farming, Tammin
Mobile: 0427 632 244
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @bungulla6409
About Brad:
I’m a cotton farmers son from the Darling Downs in Qld and Kate’s parents farmed in Tammin, the farm we are
now on.
Kate and I both had careers off farm but involved with agriculture, Kate being a country hour presenter for ABC
and me being an ag-pilot mainly based on cotton operations. Kate has a double degree in Arts and Journalism
and I have a commercial pilot’s licence and a Masters of Business Administration. We are big users of
technology and have all of our data in the cloud.
Kate’s role in the farm is HR and uses a program Wage Easy that has direct links and updates with the ATO and is
accessed by our accountant. She also does contract work for Wheatbelt NRM and the rural newspapers.
My role is business manager and we have 5 full time staff with 4 families (9 kids) living on farm.
The changing face of agriculture has seen us move more into a corporate style management system that relies
heavily on technology and we rely on cloud based system to both provide enough storage space and
accessibility from anywhere.
Three key messages:
1. Cloud based technology should be used to generate information, not solutions
2. Data is only as powerful as its interpretation and application
3. Instead of focussing on outcomes we focus on generating outcomes
20 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Boyd Brown - Technology & Social Media: Mobile Telecommunications
in rural WA
Telstra, WA
Mobile: 0418 748 197
Three key messages:
1. Key Projects in WA to expand the mobiles coverage footprint – RMCP, RTP, Federal Blackspot
2. What you can do you improve reception in a fringe coverage area
3. Current mobile communications capabilities for use in your business
21 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Libby Browne – Farm Succession: A bumpy road
Warradarge Hill F/T, Eneabba
Mobile: 0428 556 031
Email: [email protected]
About Libby:
I am 43 and a mother of 4. I farm together with my husband Will.
I do the farm books, not much hands on farm work anymore. I am also a registered nurse.
Three key messages:
1.
2.
3.
Catherine Watkins – Farm Succession
Watpow, Kukerin
Mobile: 0400328305
Email: [email protected]
About Catherine:
I farm with my husband Jeff at Kukerin. We have 3 children, Bianca 27, Joel 22 and Blake 15 who all now live in
Perth.
I have been a country girl for the most part of my life. I grew up in Kukerin before moving to Perth to attend
boarding school at Iona Presentation College. I then completed my hairdressing apprenticeship and went on to
run my own hairdressing business in Perth. By the time I was 28, I had married Jeff, had Bianca and we had
started travelling around Australia on a working holiday.
We entered our third year of living the dream travelling and working our way around Australia in 1991 when we
received a phone call from my parents asking if we would be interested in coming home to the farm…
Three key messages:
1. Come to an agreement early.
2. Communicate effectively.
3. Keep family and business separate.
22 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Judy Snell – Succession: Fundamentals on how to approach and
manage succession.
RSM, Moora
Mobile: 0427 973 884
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.rsm.com.au
About Judy:
Judy is a Partner of RSM. She is the liaison director for regional Western Australia and is one of three directors
who manage the Eastern zone where she has extensive experience with many clients in the primary production
industry. She was appointed to the Executive Committee of RSM in 2015.
With over 15 years of experience with the firm, Judy provides advice to farmers and pastoralists on taxation
issues, self-managed super funds and succession planning for family owned businesses including major farming
interests. She has significant experience in providing accounting services to primary producers of the wool,
grain, meat and pastoral industries. Judy provides advice in areas including business solutions, rural accounting,
tax planning, and succession planning.
Judy is a Member of the Certified Practicing Accountants in Australia, Fellow of the Australian Institute of
Company Directors and Member of SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia.
Three key messages:
See Judy’s powerpoint presentation.
23 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Natalie Bowman – Boards & Governance: Bowman Farming – our
board in practice
Bowman Farming, 13km east of Grass Patch
Mobile: 0427 757 034
Email: [email protected]
About Natalie:
My husband, Leon and I farm in Grass Patch, WA, where we have lived since we married 25 years ago. We have
two sons, Ashleigh 24yrs old and Murray 22 yrs old. I grew up in Esperance, and was a townie, but had some
contact with the farming world as a teenager through our local Youth Group, (which is where I met Leon).
My teaching degree brought me to Grass Patch as my second posting and I have been there ever since.
Leon, his Parents and brother moved to WA from South Australia to be able to expand their farming potential,
and farmed in partnership together for 23 years until 2004, when his parents retired and his brother moved
away. The family farm started with 1530Ha and today Leon and I together manage our 9300Ha property. We
crop 8000Ha annually, growing Wheat, Barley, Canola and Peas and run a small herd of cattle, mostly just to
keep the freezer stocked!
We have 2 full time employees and our son Ashleigh has just returned to the farm fulltime. He is a qualified
Diesel Mechanic. Murray is still at Uni in Perth and is not currently planning to return to the farm. (Never say
never!)
In my 'spare time' for the past 4 years I have been a councillor on the Shire of Esperance and was re-elected in
October last year for another 4 year term and stepped up to the role of Deputy Shire President. Our Shire
President, Victoria Brown, and I take great pride in being two rural women in leadership roles and thoroughly
enjoy working together for the betterment of our fabulous town and community. I love thinking ahead, looking
at the bigger picture and planning for the future. I can't imagine living anywhere else, so joined council to play a
part in shaping the town I want to grow old in.
As far as our business goes, I manage the office, budgets, finances and of course the food! The latter being one
of the things I may have to reluctantly hand over during seeding and harvest, as being Deputy Shire President
certainly does make running meals and catering for our fulltime and casual team quite a challenge.
Both Leon and I have completed the Rabobank Executive Development Programme in 2002 and 2004
respectively.
Three key messages:
1. Be prepared. You get out what you put in.
2. There is no perfect formula – try it on and see if it fits. Change it until it works for you.
3. Sometimes it will be tough, but it is worth it – persevere!
24 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Erin Gorter – Boards & Governance: Building strength and value in
agriculture and communities, underpinned by good governance agVivo: location - on the road!
Mobile: 0429 833 752
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: imontheroadagn
Instagram: viewsfrommyofficeinag
Facebook: agVivo Events
Linked In: Erin Gorter
About Erin:
Erin has had numerous roles on committees and boards over the past few decades, locally, regionally and
interstate. In more recent years, Erin was approached by the office of the WA Minister of Agriculture and Food,
to sit on the Board of the WA Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA) as a producer representative. This role she
continues to serve with great interest. WAMIA is responsible for the management of the Muchea Livestock
Centre and abattoir compliance in WA. In 2013, she was approached to join the Ministerial Agricultural
Advisory Committee, a role which she cherishes in order to advise the WA Minister of Agriculture in issues of
importance to broad acre farmers. She has just recently been appointed to the Meat and Livestock Australia
Board.
Erin was awarded the WA RIRDC Rural Women’s Award Runner up in 2010, which set her on a path (and gave
her confidence) to further seek opportunities and build her leadership skills and networks. This marked a
turning point in her career, where she set about taking a strategic approach to helping create change in the
industry, with a view to building an Australian red meat industry that would build and grow for generations to
come. Involvement a year later in the Grow Zone mentoring programme then helped her channel her energies
to achieve her goals.
In addition to her involvement in a family farm, Erin also runs Erin Gorter Enterprises, a business that has been
established to foster the pursuit of further opportunities presented in the agricultural sector. This business
offers a professional service in business management and events planning in rural areas, specialising in
management for grower groups. The business is part of the AgVivo group of consultants with Erin holding a role
as Director on the AgVivo board. Under the AgVivo banner, Erin also runs AgVivo Events, a rural events
management organisation.
Three key messages:
1. Your fiduciary duty
2. Doing your due diligence
3. Being accountable for your actions
25 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Greg Kirk – Boards & Governance: How and Why Growers should
adopt better governance processes.
Managing Director Planfarm
Mobile: 0427 428 400
Email: [email protected]
About Greg:
Greg is the Managing Director of Planfarm Agricultural consultants. He has over 25 years advising successful
farm businesses with a focus on business management and strategy. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute
of Company Directors and an independent director of WAMMCO, Australia’s largest grower cooperative
exporter of fresh and frozen lamb and sheep meat.
In his spare time he enjoys supporting the WCE, cycling and running.
Three key messages:
1. Governance is about systems, processes and rules that allow you to control and monitor your business
2. Poor governance is a common feature of business failures. Look for the warning signs.
3. There is no one size fits all. Like everything – better governance needs to add value
26 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Tracey Ebert - Employment & Safety: Being a Better Boss – Employer
of Choice
South Coast Facilitation, Ravensthorpe
Mobile: 0427 389 010
Email: [email protected]
About Tracey:
Farming in Ravensthorpe with my husband and two children has changed considerably over our 30 year
partnership. We are the first generation on our farm and purchased it when interest rates were 22%, repaying it
on a shearing and teaching wage, working for wages during the week and farming on the weekends. Needless to
say we have had some tricky years, but we knew we were alive and answerable to no-one.
Although our roles today are flexible we have accidentally tuned our skills to our interests and abilities. My
analytical mind creates & explores all things office-like whilst my husband problem solves the practicalities of
the outdoors. Harvest and seeding allow me to “smell the dirt” as a driver of the big machines (a driver being
considerably different to an operator, a level I am apparently yet to attain and just quietly not in any hurry to do
so!).
2002 was a personal milestone year. Starting a facilitation business and being a finalist in the RIRDC Rural
Women’s Award came with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Involvement in some regional work with local,
state and federal government bodies led to a nine day facilitation course to upskill in communication. I
completed this course and left incredibly inspired with an unexpected outcome of starting my own facilitation
business. The business has exceeded my initial tentative goals and it’s a personal choice not to advertise or
promote. It’s a balancing act between my role on the farm, community interests and facilitation but one I feel
fortunate to be able to juggle.
Three key messages:
1. Capture, Engage, Keep
2. Time invested in your employees increases productivity
3. Acknowledge & act on your HR strengths and weaknesses
27 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Tara Vermeersch – Employment & Safety: Industrial Relations – the
political grenade
Belair Farms, Cascade
Mobile: 0404 845 435
Email: [email protected]
About Tara:
I have been living and working on my husband’s family farm for eight years. Previously I worked in corporate
human resources and industrial relations. I didn’t come from a farming background but I had previously lived in
Cascade when my parents were teaching at the local primary school in 1989/90. My husband and I first met
there when we were in pre-primary.
I feel very lucky that our generation has the gift of digital technology that has allowed me to combine my role as
the Farm Office Manager with private consulting in employee relations. This made the transition to the farm
much easier for me because I didn’t have to “give up” my career. I just needed to be creative with how I
pursued it.
As many of you can appreciate, “just doing the farm books” is becoming an increasingly challenging and time
consuming role. In 2013 I co-founded and became the inaugural chair of Esperance Farm Office Management
(EFOM), a sub-committee of SEPWA (South East Premium Wheat Growers Association). I also became the first
female to sit on the SEPWA executive and was recently re-elected to a second term on the committee. I’m
passionate about professional development within family farming enterprises and find this an exciting space to
be working in.
My husband and I have two boys, Charlie who is 5 and Jim who is 2 years old. Regardless of my other
commitments, these two keep me very busy and happy.
Three key messages:
1. Take the time to understand your award responsibilities
2. Should you really be looking for casual staff this seeding?
3. Develop a clear and simple contract of employment
28 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Maree Gooch – Employment & Safety: Farm Safety Is Everyone’s
Business …. because people are the most important asset
Farmsafe WA Alliance
Mobile: 0438 374 136
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @mareegooch ; @WA_Farmsafe
Facebook: Maree Gooch ; Farmsafe WA Inc
About Maree:
Maree is passionate about people and business being the best they can be. As a collaborative leader, she strives
to lead the process to help others to build their own success. Maree is married with 3 amazing teenage children.
Maree works 3 days per week with the Farmsafe WA Alliance to improve safety and well-being for the agri-food
industry. She fills her time as a consultant of strategic planning, business development and spends time
participating on several boards.
As a hands on farmer for more than 22 years and living in regional WA for most of her life, she has experienced
first- hand the challenges and the opportunities of living regionally and operating several small businesses
including farming in the Wheatbelt and south coast of WA. She loves to travel, enjoy decent wine and food and
great company. She surrounds herself with positive people. Her strong personal commitment to the rural
community is evident through her positions on the Rural Business Development Corporation, with the Grow
Zone and UWA’s mentoring programs and as Chair of the Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network.
Three key messages:
1. People are the most important asset in any business – Safety is EVERYONE’s responsibility!
2. Prevent accidents, Prevent deaths = Increased business efficiency and increased business profits.
3. Legislation is in place – get educated and get compliant!
29 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Colin Degrussa – Efficient Offices: My paperless office system
SK & AA de Grussa, Neridup
Mobile: 0427 984 611
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @colbio
About Colin:
Owner/ Manager of a grain producing business North East of Esperance at Neridup. Family farming business
started in the mid 60’s. I’ve been involved since the late 90’s in management, decision making and
administration.
I have a background in IT having studied computer systems engineering at TAFE and working in IT for most of
the 90’s. I’m also passionate about agriculture and regional communities. In recent years I’ve stood for election
at the 2013 state election and 2014 senate re-run. I’ve also completed a Nuffield Farming Scholarship in 2014
for which I looked at consumer education and agricultural lobbying.
We setup our paperless office system in 2013 and have been adapting and simplifying it ever since. It has meant
a 75% reduction in time spent on accounts management and means I can be in the office from virtually
anywhere (if I really have to!!) We run Apple computers, iphones, ipads and use Xero for our accounting.
Three key messages:
1. It’s not as difficult or complex as might be imagined
2. Make the system fit you – not the other way around
3. Don’t get hung up on the equipment – can be done for almost zero cost
30 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Julie Ramm – Office Efficiencies: My experience with utilising the
Agrimaster program to its potential.
Ramm Family Farming, 12215 Fence Road, Dumbleyung
Mobile: 0429 642 014
Email: [email protected]
About Julie:
We have been farming on my husband's family farm in Dumbleyung since 1990.
We have 2 children & are in-laws are retired from the farm.
My role in our business is office management, decision making, tractor/header driver & sheep management.
Other interests include sport, community involvement & book club.
Three key messages:
1. Data entry: it is your information, enter it so it works for you.
2. Agrimaster support: you pay for it, use it.
3. Tidy up your Agrimaster file: replace codes/names/allocations & use enterprise/allocation wisely.
31 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Kate Keamy – Efficient Offices: Do you want to better manage and
understand your finances to improve your business performance?
Anro, Watheroo
Mobile: 0400 369 949
Email: [email protected]
About Kate:
I grew up on a farm North of Watheroo with my parents and three brothers. I attended high school in Perth and
went onto study a Bachelor in Education – Primary. Instead of the traditional path to teaching I went to work in
Human resources for QBE Insurance. During this time I began my Post Grad in Human Resources while working
in their Training and Development Department. Three years later I was approached by Agrimaster to work for
them as an Operations Manager, I accepted and became responsible for implementing their Business Strategic
Plan.
I then fell in love with a farmer from my hometown! Took on a role as a Rural Financial Counsellor, established
my life in the country and became passionate about the dynamic industry of Agriculture and its people.
Three key messages:
1. Your financial software is more than just a tax compliance tool; it can assist you in planning, monitoring and
adjusting your business to increase profitability.
2. Good financial data requires good knowledge of your software programs capabilities and a big dose of
discipline.
3. Your Cashflow Budget should be a living document that you know how to use to make good in season
decisions.
32 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Margo Halbert – Influential Communication: Inspiring yourself &
others Margo Halbert, Perth
Mobile: 0419 997 440
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.margohalbert.com.au
About Margo:
Margo is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest international accreditation available from the
National Speakers Association of Australia. Margo has won the WA Speaker of the Year Award, has held the
office of President of National Speakers Association of Australia (NSAA) and is an Accredited Executive
Coach.
Charismatic leadership can enhance influence, power and performance. Margo works with business leaders
to build their reputation and confidence by helping them to be engaging and influential. They are then able
to face important audiences and achieve results. Margo is proud to be involved with various schools
programs designed to foster a sense of confidence and leadership in young students.
Three key messages:
1.
33 – Partners in Grain WA – INSPIRE Summit 2016
Thank you for being a part of Partners in Grain WA’s
SUMMIT PARTNER:
SUMMIT SPONSORS:
PROJECT FUNDERS: IN-KIND SPONSOR: