I work in the role of
Agricultural Advisor – Genetics and Nutrition (Sheep and Cattle). In this role I
cover the areas genetics, nutrition, grazing management and financial/business
management. My aim is to gain a better understanding of how producers are
managing these issues and work with them to find practical solutions to the many
questions that the daily operation of their business provides.I arrived in the Falkland Islands from Australia on the 9th of June with my wife, Rosie and two boys, Archie (2 ½) and Monty (1). Being diverted to Rio Gallegos because of fog and then bussed to Punta Arenas for two nights was an interesting introduction to this part of the world. However, the stop over meant we were able to meet a number of locals who gave us a good feel for our new home. I’m the son of a shearer and small business owner and grew up in a small town in Southwest Queensland – St.George (population approx. 3,000).
My last role was as a Rural Manager with a large agricultural financier – Rabobank. Prior to this I worked as an Agricultural Advisor with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries in the semi-arid region of South Western Queensland. My main work areas were sheep and goat production, supply/value chain management and marketing. This area of Australia faces many of the same challenges as the Falkland Islands e.g. poor winter nutrition, low sheep reproductive rates and wool versus meat production, though under different environmental conditions. I have also worked as a stationhand/jackaroo on sheep and cattle properties in this same region as well as a farmhand on a 3,000 acre irrigated cotton farm outside of my hometown.