The 20 most influential people in Australian agriculture part 1

The 20 most influential people in Australian agriculture

They are the movers and shakers of Australian agriculture.From the absolute peak of world trade power, down to those who keep our farms going day-to-day.

This inaugural list of the most influential figures in Australian agriculture reveals an industry that has a strong backbone, yet is at the mercy of global politics and a fragile labour system, laid bare by the Covid crisis.

The power players were chosen by The Weekly Times for their influence on agriculture, for how their actions affect the entire industry, and for their ability to make big decisions.

Mark Allison dragged Elders back from oblivion when he stepped down as chairman to become managing director and chief executive officer in May, 2014.

Thousands of Australian farms couldn't operate without the young, able bodies who are willing to travel to far flung farming regions to earn a 12-month visa extension.

Mike Carroll has a breadth of knowledge in corporate agriculture, having headed National Australia Bank’s agribusiness division for six years.

There are few people who have a greater potential to influence Australian agriculture’s landscape than Canadian Mark Drouin.

Markets and consumer choices can greatly influence prices paid at the Australian farm gate tomorrow. Few know this better than Brent Eastwood.

Roger Fletcher is a dominant force in Australia’s sheep meat sector, buying millions of sheep each year to feed Fletcher International Exports’ plants in NSW and Western Australia.

Barry Irvin has steered the company from a small dairy processor in the town of Bega in southern NSW into Australia’s third largest dairy operation.

With a lifetime of experience in advocacy and advisory roles, Mick Keogh is one of the most respected names in agricultural policy.

There’s no denying the political power Sussan Ley holds. It’s rare – perhaps unprecedented – for a federal Environment Minister to hail from a rural electorate so dependent on one of the nation’s most contentious natural resources: water.

David Littleproud has developed a reputation as one of the Nationals’ best political performers.

Words: Natalie Kotsios, Peter Hemphill, James Wagstaff, Alexandra Laskie & Ed Gannon Producer: Bianca Mastroianni Read more

The 20 most influential people in Australian agriculture

PART 1

PART 1

They are the movers and shakers of Australian agriculture.From the absolute peak of world trade power, down to those who keep our farms going day-to-day.

This inaugural list of the most influential figures in Australian agriculture reveals an industry that has a strong backbone, yet is at the mercy of global politics and a fragile labour system, laid bare by the Covid crisis.

The power players were chosen by The Weekly Times for their influence on agriculture, for how their actions affect the entire industry, and for their ability to make big decisions.

Mark Allison dragged Elders back from oblivion when he stepped down as chairman to become managing director and chief executive officer in May, 2014.

MARK ALLISON

MARK ALLISON

Managing director & Agribusiness Australia chairman

Thousands of Australian farms couldn't operate without the young, able bodies who are willing to travel to far flung farming regions to earn a 12-month visa extension.

THE BACKPACKER

THE BACKPACKER

Mike Carroll has a breadth of knowledge in corporate agriculture, having headed National Australia Bank’s agribusiness division for six years.

MIKE CARROLL

MIKE CARROLL

Agribusiness elder & board director

There are few people who have a greater potential to influence Australian agriculture’s landscape than Canadian Mark Drouin.

MARC DROUIN

MARC DROUIN

Senior managing director, Public Sector Pension Fund

Markets and consumer choices can greatly influence prices paid at the Australian farm gate tomorrow. Few know this better than Brent Eastwood.

BRENT EASTWOOD

BRENT EASTWOOD

JBS Australia president & chief executive

Roger Fletcher is a dominant force in Australia’s sheep meat sector, buying millions of sheep each year to feed Fletcher International Exports’ plants in NSW and Western Australia.

ROGER FLETCHER

ROGER FLETCHER

Director, Fletcher International Exports

Barry Irvin has steered the company from a small dairy processor in the town of Bega in southern NSW into Australia’s third largest dairy operation.

BARRY IRVIN

BARRY IRVIN

Bega Cheese executive chairman

With a lifetime of experience in advocacy and advisory roles, Mick Keogh is one of the most respected names in agricultural policy.

MICK KEOGH

MICK KEOGH

Deputy chair, Australian Competition & Consumer Commission

There’s no denying the political power Sussan Ley holds. It’s rare – perhaps unprecedented – for a federal Environment Minister to hail from a rural electorate so dependent on one of the nation’s most contentious natural resources: water.

SUSSAN LEY

SUSSAN LEY

Federal Environment Minister

David Littleproud has developed a reputation as one of the Nationals’ best political performers.

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

Federal Agriculture Minister