Greg is CEO of Arkle Farms, a large family-owned ag business established in Western Australia.
For 30 years Greg has been involved in Ag consulting with his current position affording him the opportunity to use his experience to lead the establishment of Arkle Farms.
Originally from Bunbury in WA, Greg moved to Perth with his family after primary school. He says it was holidays on the Uncle’s farm in the Lakes District that kick-started his interest in agriculture. After studying agricultural science at the University of Western Australia, Greg moved into a research role at Murdoch University before later joining the Department of Agriculture.
Greg and the Arkle Farm team have plans to expand their current 14,500 hectares by another 9000 next year, with ambitions to take that to 50,000 in the next 3-4 years.
“We’re really looking forward to harvest starting in about 6-7 weeks and we’re quietly confident that this season will produce the goods,” he says.
What does Greg find most satisfying in the job?
“I often find the most satisfying thing is when people come together as a team and get results,” says Greg.
“Culture is definitely one of the key factors in business success. We have made this a key criterion when recruiting and we are fortunate in having a good team in place that we can build on over the coming years.”
Greg says his science background has been a great benefit in his career. “Ag is applied science and we are learning and improving every day”
“It’s the combination of the committed passionate people and the applied science that I find really satisfying”
What’s the most challenging part of the job for Greg?
“There’s always something different to challenge you, but that’s part of the enjoyment”
“Being dryland farmers, seasonal conditions are always a challenge, but with good planning you manage as best you can and be thankful when you get a good year!”
Greg says he uses his teams’ skills sets and taps into their resources to meet challenges head on.
“We’re fortunate that we have a good team of people filled with knowledge and we all play our part”
What words of wisdom would Greg give to someone just starting out in farming?
“You have to be passionate,” Greg says.
“If you’re passionate and committed there’s a good chance you’ll be successful – I think that applies to everything in life, not just farming,” he adds.
What can Greg rely on his mates for in the grain industry?
Greg loves that he can pick the phone up and tap into his mates for advice, or even just a chat.
“It’s such a great network. If you need help or advice and one person doesn’t know the answer, you’re guaranteed that someone else will,” he says.
“My mates in grain are always very forthcoming with information and giving in their time.”
