Meet Our Team
The Ag Excellence Committee
Leet Wilksch
Chair
Leet is a researcher and Ag Technologist with a focus on integrating new data technology into farming businesses. After spending 14 years at Landmark as a research agronomist managing multiple trial sites, he started his business AGBYTE.
Leet has also enjoyed over 15 years of experience within the South Australian grower group network and he is an ardent advocate for Ag Ex and the broader industry. He has a passion for food and energy self-sufficiency on the small farm he resides at with his family.
David Evans
Vice Chair
David lives and breathes agriculture and agribusiness and has experience in farm management, livestock agency, rural training, grain marketing, and industry advocacy. He has had significant involvement with farming systems groups over a long period as a member, trainer, and sponsor. David believes that farmers learn best from their peers in a practical and informal setting where what is being taught is relevant and can be clearly seen and demonstrated. He believes that the value of groups as the basis for community support networks cannot be underestimated.
Naomi Scholz
Treasurer
Naomi brings a wealth of experience in RD&E project management having spent more than a decade with SARDI at the Minnipa Agricultural Centre. Leading projects during this time included the Dryland Legume Pasture Systems project and the Stubble initiative.
Most recently she was appointed as Executive Officer of newly formed Ag Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP). An amalgamation of Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation (EPARF) and Lower Eyre Agriculture Development Association (LEADA), AIR EP represents the entire region playing an integral role in the planning and delivery of independent RD&E.
Mark Stanley
Executive Officer
Mark operates Regional Connections, which was established in 2012 and provides professional services across regional Australia in the development, management and delivery of projects with a focus on natural resource management, climate change planning and adaptation and sustainable agriculture.
Mark has had a long history in working with established networks in government, R&D organisations, universities, farmer groups and NRM organisations, and has provided strategic executive support to the Ag Excellence Alliance for the past 10 years.
Tony Randall
Knowledge Broker
Tony Randall has more than 20 years of experience working within agricultural and natural resources management industries in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Tony has worked extensively in the not-for-profit sector as both a project officer and in leadership and management roles.
Tony works closely with the SA Drought Hub, a dynamic network of primary producers, industry groups, researchers, government agencies, universities, agribusiness, traditional owners, and others to work towards a common vision to strengthen the drought resilience and preparedness of our farms and regional communities in South Australia.
Rachel May
Farming Systems Specialist - Adoption Officer
Rachel has worked closely with many community, farming systems and landcare groups on Eyre Peninsula, Adelaide Hill’s and the Murray Darling Basin regions, both in technical roles as well as project development, management and extension. In addition, she has also operated her grain and fodder business in the Adelaide Hills.
With over 25 years of experience, Rachel brings an enormous amount of skill and knowledge to the Farming Systems Specialist role. A newly created position within the SA Drought Hub, Rachel plays an integral role in faciitating and developing relationships and networks to provide linkages and collaborative opportunities within the agricultural industry.
Emma McInerney
Climate Smart Adoption Facilitator
Emma fills the role of Climate Smart Facilitator for the Ag Excellence Alliance. Her role is to implement the Climate Resilience pillar of the 2022 - 2027 Ag Ex plan which has stated ambition to ensure grower groups are adequately engaged in carbon farming opportunities.
Emma is based in Clare and has 20 years experience in the ag sector both in Australia and overseas and is passionate about addressing the impact and opportunities of food production systems in a globalised world.
Kerry Stockman
Administration Manager
Kerry has been a part of the Ag Ex team for 7+ years. Integral to the operations of Ag Ex, Kerry brings a wealth of experience working in the wine, tourism, and agricultural industries.
Her knowledge in regional marketing, communications, and event planning assists with the seamless delivery of relevant information to the grower group network and broader Ag community. Kerry is also responsible for coordinating the highly valued Ag Excellence Forum and Awards.
Brett Bartel
Committee Member
Brett is a Director in the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and represents the agency on the Ag Excellence committee.
In his role at PIRSA Brett leads PIRSA's bushfire, drought, and other adverse event/disaster recovery programs. He also has responsibilities in the areas of climate change, natural resources management and agriculture extension.
Brett has been working agriculture extension field for over 20 years and has an in-depth understanding of regional Australia and strives to create sustainable regions by bridging the interface between industries and stakeholders.
Paige Cross
Committee Member
Paige has nearly 20 years of experience working within the agricultural and finance sectors throughout Southern and Eastern Australia. Paige is currently managing multiple projects for Mallee Sustainable Farming and was the recent project manager of AgRi-Silience for the Coo-ee Collective, delivered on behalf of Livestock SA. Prior to returning to SA in 2019, Paige managed several multi-stakeholder projects in Victoria and was the Agribusiness Development Officer for Southern Grampians Shire Council. Paige also worked for Nab Agribusiness for 8 years.
Paige has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agronomy), a Cert IV Training and Assessment, is an accredited ChemCert trainer and has an active involvement with her family farm in the Mid North.
Jay Cummins
Committee Member
Jay brings national and global experience in developing agricultural extension and communication systems for farmers. He has practical experience in developing on-farm-focused extension and communications projects, practical on-farm decision support tools, and communication resources.
Jay is currently managing a range of Future Drought Fund projects on a contract basis with Mallee Sustainable Farming and is actively engaged in GRDC's new flagship RiskWI$E risk management project management project initiative.
Sandy Kimber
Committee Member
Sandy has been the Executive Officer of the Hart Field Site Group since 2018. She has a background in business management, finance, and administration and also operates a broad-acre farm, vineyard, and photography business in the Clare Valley.
Sandy has board and committee experience in both a paid and voluntary capacity. She is passionate about ag extension and communications and working with people from across all areas of ag, including farmers, researchers, media, and other industry professionals.
Alice Morley
Committee Member
Alice has vast experience within the ag industry, working with FPAG, specialising in animal health and livestock agronomy. She is also a small business owner of 'Small Acres', providing property and educational services to small property owners.
Alice is also a board member and secretary of Fleurieu Farming Systems as well as a member of the Victor Harbor and Yankalilla Councils Agribusiness working groups. In addition, Alice is a board member and Director of Equestrian South Australia and a WoTL ambassador.
Would you like to join the Ag Excellence Alliance Committee?
Nominations, space permitting, can be submitted leading up to the Annual General Meeting by completing the below online form.