About Us

Our Team

PLANFARM CONSULTANT CARTER JOHNSON
WITH ROB MULLAN

Pictured on the Mullan family farm, ‘Eastville Park’, located in Wickepin. The Mullan family partnered with Planfarm in 2005.

About Us

Our Team

PLANFARM CONSULTANT CARTER JOHNSON WITH ROB MULLAN | Pictured on the Mullan family farm, ‘Eastville Park’, located in Wickepin. The Mullan family partnered with Planfarm in 2005.

Planfarm provides a one-stop professional service utilising Farm Business Consultants, Agronomists and Grain Marketers with hundreds of years’ combined experience in the Australian farming industry.

Leadership Team

Graeme McConnell

Graeme McConnell

PLANFARM MANAGING DIRECTOR and a FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Bus (Agri)
B.Com (Property)
GAICD

Graeme is charged with leading the strategic direction and decisions of Planfarm and additionally partners with clients to ensure they achieve long-term, rewarding outcomes across their entire agri-business. Graeme is renowned for having developed the ‘Planfarm Benchmarks’, now the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Australia, with cutting edge analysis derived from over 500 broadacre farm businesses in WA.

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ERIC HALL

ERIC HALL

DIRECTOR OF GRAIN MARKETING, AFIM & TERRAWISE and a FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Bus (ACC FIN)
GAICD

Following a career in agricultural banking and finance, Eric joined Planfarm in 2004 and adds a wealth of experience to the group, both as an advisor and a valued Director. Eric partners with clients to provide management guidance, as well as being one of our key authorised grain marketing advisors.

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CAMERON WEEKS

CAMERON WEEKS

DIRECTOR OF FARM BUSINESS CONSULTING and a FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Sc
GAICD

Cameron, a Planfarm director, is widely regarded as a leading expert in broadacre farming in the northern agricultural region (NAR). Cameron partners with clients, many of whom are amongst the state’s largest grain growers, to deliver detailed business analysis, budgeting, financing, business and production planning along with successfully leading many of them through the challenges of farm succession planning.

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PAUL OMODEI

PAUL OMODEI

DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE & AGRONOMY and a HORTICULTURE & FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Sc Agri (Hons)

Paul is one of the state’s most respected pasture and livestock systems Agronomist’s and brings to Planfarm a wealth of experience in integrated operational management and sustainability. Before joining our board, Paul held senior management roles with ag giant, CSBP. Today, Paul partners with clients to deliver outstanding support, advice and analysis across the full agri-business spectrum. He also proffers significant experience in family succession planning and sits on several client advisory boards.

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EMILY DEMPSTER

EMILY DEMPSTER

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

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BEC (Hons)

Emily came from a background as an economist with the RBA, before joining Planfarm’s Grain Marketing team in 2012. As opportunities presented themselves, that aligned with Emily’s qualifications in Finance and Economics and skills in data management and business systems, Emily stepped up into team lead and finance roles, and ultimately taking on the lead in the Planfarm Finance and Administration Team.

ROB GRIMA

ROB GRIMA

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Sc Agri (Hons)

Rob brings to Planfarm an enviable professional history spanning more than 20 years. Beginning as a Research Economist with the Department of Agriculture, he later took on a role for almost a decade as an Agronomist with Elders before reverting to economic research where he specialised in the economics of crop protection and innovative livestock management options. Today, Rob is well known in the industry particularly in the northern agricultural region with clients right across the Geraldton zone. He applies his unique experience to partner with clients to deliver outstanding results, service and support.

Farm Business Consultant

Graeme McConnell

Graeme McConnell

PLANFARM MANAGING DIRECTOR and a FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Bus (Agri)
B.Com (Property)
GAICD

Graeme is charged with leading the strategic direction and decisions of Planfarm and additionally partners with clients to ensure they achieve long-term, rewarding outcomes across their entire agri-business. Graeme is renowned for having developed the ‘Planfarm Benchmarks’, now the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Australia, with cutting edge analysis derived from over 500 broadacre farm businesses in WA.

LinkedIn

ERIC HALL

ERIC HALL

DIRECTOR OF GRAIN MARKETING, AFIM & TERRAWISE and a FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Bus (ACC FIN)
GAICD

Following a career in agricultural banking and finance, Eric joined Planfarm in 2004 and adds a wealth of experience to the group, both as an advisor and a valued Director. Eric partners with clients to provide management guidance, as well as being one of our key authorised grain marketing advisors.

LinkedIn

CAMERON WEEKS

CAMERON WEEKS

DIRECTOR OF FARM BUSINESS CONSULTING and a FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Sc
GAICD

Cameron, a Planfarm director, is widely regarded as a leading expert in broadacre farming in the northern agricultural region (NAR). Cameron partners with clients, many of whom are amongst the state’s largest grain growers, to deliver detailed business analysis, budgeting, financing, business and production planning along with successfully leading many of them through the challenges of farm succession planning.

LinkedIn

PAUL OMODEI

PAUL OMODEI

DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE & AGRONOMY and a HORTICULTURE & FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

Read Bio

B.Sc Agri (Hons)

Paul is one of the state’s most respected pasture and livestock systems Agronomist’s and brings to Planfarm a wealth of experience in integrated operational management and sustainability. Before joining our board, Paul held senior management roles with ag giant, CSBP. Today, Paul partners with clients to deliver outstanding support, advice and analysis across the full agri-business spectrum. He also proffers significant experience in family succession planning and sits on several client advisory boards.

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GLEN BRAYSHAW

GLEN BRAYSHAW

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT & GRAIN MARKETING ADVISOR

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B.AgBus (Marketing)

Before joining Planfarm in 2009, Glen enjoyed a successful career with NAB Agribusiness. Today, Glen uses his financial expertise to partner with our clients and provide exceptional advice in business analysis, budgeting, benchmarking, commodity marketing, property and strategic planning.

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PIERRE MAARTENS

PIERRE MAARTENS

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Com (Econ & Bank)
MBA

Prior to joining Planfarm in 2016, Pierre built a successful career in banking and finance, specialising in agriculture and covering disciplines including broadacre, livestock, feedlots and processing. Today, Pierre partners with clients to provide whole of business advice and analysis, taking the physical and financial data from operations and considering key performance points to assist in continual improvement.

ROB GRIMA

ROB GRIMA

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Sc Agri (Hons)

Rob brings to Planfarm an enviable professional history spanning more than 20 years. Beginning as a Research Economist with the Department of Agriculture, he later took on a role for almost a decade as an Agronomist with Elders before reverting to economic research where he specialised in the economics of crop protection and innovative livestock management options. Today, Rob is well known in the industry particularly in the northern agricultural region with clients right across the Geraldton zone. He applies his unique experience to partner with clients to deliver outstanding results, service and support.

TYSON FRY

TYSON FRY

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Sc Agri Econ (Hons)

Prior to joining Planfarm, Tyson worked with prominent Australian grain accumulation and export business, Plum Grove. In this role, he was responsible for managing grain pool products in several states, gaining extensive experience in global grain markets, commodity trading and risk management. These are just some of the skills he has brought with him to Planfarm, where he partners with agribusiness clients from a number of sectors to deliver business analysis, advice and support.

PETER NEWMAN

PETER NEWMAN

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Sc Agri (Hons)

One of Western Australia’s highest-profile agricultural experts, Peter has developed and lead the implementation of the hugely successful ‘Planfarm Academy’. An acknowledged herbicide-resistant weed expert, Peter partners with clients to share his invaluable research and management experience, improving the outcome for farm businesses throughout Australia.

STEPHEN COCKING

STEPHEN COCKING

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.AgSc (Hons)
B.Com

Steve has enjoyed a successful career that began in commercial banking, eventually leading to his last role with Rabobank. In this role, he supplemented his passion for agriculture with a strong understanding of sustainable farm systems, profit drivers, price risk management and long-term business strategy. Joining Planfarm in 2019, Steve partners with clients to provide valuable performance analysis, strategic/capital planning and development of business capacity.

CARTER JOHNSON

CARTER JOHNSON

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT & HORTICULTURE CONSULTANT

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B.AgBus

A strong interest in economics and biological sciences led Carter to Curtin University and a Bachelor of Agribusiness, which in turn led to a graduate role with Planfarm. Carter has developed valuable expertise on Horticulture and Broadacre farming through driving the preparation of Horticulture Benchmarks and Broadacre Benchmarks.

As Carter builds his knowledge and skillset of both Western Australian agriculture and Planfarm’s dynamic and diversified client base, he will also contribute to the future of our continual growth and improvement.

ANDREW JONES

ANDREW JONES

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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Grad. Dip FBM

Prior to joining Planfarm Andrew has had a successful career in Agribusiness Finance and the Corporate Agriculture sector over a period of more than 20 years. During this time he has had a strong focus on crop production in wide range of environments in Australia as well as significant exposure to Rangelands production, the feedlot cattle industry and the Live Export trade. Today, Andrew brings a broad range of financial management experience coupled with a practical operations background. He is known for his skills at financial modelling for budgets, production analysis and planning for future requirements.

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MARTIN ANDERSON

MARTIN ANDERSON

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Agric

Prior to joining Planfarm in 2022, Martin built a successful career in Agribusiness Finance for the past 29 years. During this time he has specialised in broadacre mixed cropping & livestock production. Martin brings a broad experience in financial management, cashflow budget and financial data analysis to provide farm business advice & analysis, to assist clients with understanding the financial drivers of their business & strategic planning for future requirements.

MIKE CAMERON

MIKE CAMERON

SPECIALIST BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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BAgribus Hons

Mike Cameron, an agricultural professional driven by a lifelong passion for farming. From a family farm background, Mike’s hands-on experience and relentless curiosity set him on a path of continuous learning. After managing a dairy farm, he embraced a transformative opportunity in 2006, leading to multiple relocations, large family farming expansions, and the development of a farm business poised for sale in 2022.

Mike’s journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, includes overseeing significant livestock, navigating weather extremes, and achieving remarkable financial growth – such as selling for over $100 million! Beyond tangible success, Mike finds true fulfillment in team development, family, and enjoying the agricultural adventure.

With a focus on team culture, robust processes, and relishing the journey, Mike brings a wealth of experience and a passion for helping businesses thrive. Join him on the path to not just achieving results, but enjoying the ride in the dynamic world of agriculture.

Grain Marketing Advisors

JEROME CRITCH

JEROME CRITCH

DIRECTOR OF GRAIN MARKETING and a GRAIN MARKETING ADVISOR

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Masters Degree of Applied Finance
B.S Agriculture

Jerome has more than 10 years experience as a grain marketing advisor and partners with his clients to provide tailored advice, management and analysis, including strategy, brokerage and derivatives trades. Born into a farming enterprise in Mullewa (WA), Jerome previously held an area management position within AWB. Jerome has also performed voluntary roles with the WAFarmers Grains Council and GRDC, and completed a Nuffield Fellowship. Jerome is an authorised AFS representative for dealing in grain derivatives and foreign exchange.

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NIC SEWELL

NIC SEWELL

GRAIN MARKETING ADVISOR

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B.Com
GradDip AgBus

Nic proffers in-depth and wide-ranging expertise in all aspects of grain marketing including brokerage, strategy, individual market planning, logistics and market analysis.

Nic partners with clients to create rewarding and enduring relationships, as well as an extremely high level of informed grain marketing advice and general farm business strategy.

JACQUELINE WARR

JACQUELINE WARR

GRAIN MARKETING ADVISOR

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Jacquie’s agricultural journey began in 2000 with the Australian Wheat Board – evolving into a Grain Marketing Advisor role which sees her years of industry experience benefit growers across WA. Highly engaged and motivated, Jacquie partners with growers to provide tailored grain strategies in line with current local and global environments.

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GLEN BRAYSHAW

GLEN BRAYSHAW

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT & GRAIN MARKETING ADVISOR

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B.AgBus (Marketing)

Before joining Planfarm in 2009, Glen enjoyed a successful career with NAB Agribusiness. Today, Glen uses his financial expertise to partner with our clients and provide exceptional advice in business analysis, budgeting, benchmarking, commodity marketing, property and strategic planning.

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CHAD JEFFERIS

CHAD JEFFERIS

GRAIN MARKETING ADVISOR

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Prior to establishing his career in grain marketing, Chad was a professional farmer for 13 years primarily involved in broadacre cropping and livestock management. Since 2012, Chad has garnered an incredible wealth of experience and exposure to local and global grain markets and today partners with clients to provide unique support, strategic direction and advice.

ADRIAN MONDY

ADRIAN MONDY

GRAIN MARKETING ADVISOR

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B.Bus (Agric)

Raised on the family farm in Mukinbudin, Adrian worked in farm management for over a decade before starting his ag journey as a Customer Quality Officer with CBH Operations. After four years as WA Regional Manager for Flexi Grain, Adrian joined the Planfarm team where he enjoys working closely with growers to provide them with the support, planning, market analysis and advice they require to achieve their grain marketing goals.

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ANDREW TASKER

ANDREW TASKER

GRAIN MARKETING ADVISOR

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Andrew has worked in commodity, interest rate and FX markets since starting in cotton in the 1990’s.  In 2000 he moved to WA to be part of ProFarmer Advisory Services, as the grain markets started deregulating, to provide advice to growers seeking to navigate the new situation of having to hedge and market their grain.  His experience in working with growers in the cash and derivative markets lead to roles in markets with two leading agribusiness banks in Australia and then in the US .  These roles involved providing hedging products in interest rates, FX and commodities with agribusiness clients.  Now back in WA he is looking forward to applying this experience in assisting Planfarm clients hedge and market their grain at all levels of sophistication from cash marketing through to swaps and options.

Agronomists

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B.Sc

An experienced Agronomist with international experience ranging from the efficacy of harvest weed seed control to the development of herbicide resistance traits in sunflowers and sorghum, Nick adds a fantastic dynamic to our Agronomy team. Still completing various academic undertakings whilst working, Nick partners with clients and his peers to impart valuable, current advice and a level of unparalleled professional support.

SIMON LEAKE

SIMON LEAKE

AGRONOMIST

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B. Sc
B. Com

Simon has 5 years of industry experience working in research and advisory positions since completing his extensive university studies. Originating from a mixed farming enterprise in Pingelly, Simon has excellent hands-on experience in broadacre farming and this combined with his attention to detail acquired from trial work in the Mid-West and knowledge from agronomy in Kojonup and Katanning makes Simon a fantastic addition to the team.

Horticulture Consultants

PAUL OMODEI

PAUL OMODEI

DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE & AGRONOMY and a HORTICULTURE & FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Sc Agri (Hons)

Paul is one of the state’s most respected pasture and livestock systems Agronomist’s and brings to Planfarm a wealth of experience in integrated operational management and sustainability. Before joining our board, Paul held senior management roles with ag giant, CSBP. Today, Paul partners with clients to deliver outstanding support, advice and analysis across the full agri-business spectrum. He also proffers significant experience in family succession planning and sits on several client advisory boards.

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Stephanie Carstairs

Stephanie Carstairs

PROJECT MANAGER, NATIONAL VEGETABLE & ONION BENCHMARKING PROGRAM

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B.Sc Agri (Hons)

M.Ec

GAICD

Steff brings a broad skill set to the role of project manager of the National Vegetable and Onion Benchmarking program – degrees in agricultural science and econometrics, experienced industry development and horticulture project work, horticultural business management and governance. Steff’s ethos centres around building sustainable horticultural systems and businesses that grow regional communities and families. She is also a passionate advocate for careers in agriculture and quick to seize an opportunity to link young people with others in the industry who can mentor or guide them through the pipeline. Steff is based in the Perth office and manages the project delivery across Australia.

SOPHIE ALEXANDER

SOPHIE ALEXANDER

HORTICULTURE BUSINESS CONSULTANT

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B.Sc (Horticulture) Hons

MBA

GAICD 

Sophie brings extensive experience in agrifood, finance and governance to support Planfarm clients achieve their business goals. She is a successful entrepreneur, highly qualified and experienced Non-Executive Director, having been appointed to a portfolio of private, government and not for profit boards. Sophie is a highly active community member, supporting local community groups and previously serving as an Elected Member with the City of Joondalup.  Furthermore, she has earned graduate membership of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Alumni of the AICD Director Pipeline Program and 2018 Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award State Finalist.  Sophie is based in Perth and services horticultural clients throughout Australia.

 

CARTER JOHNSON

CARTER JOHNSON

FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT & HORTICULTURE CONSULTANT

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B.AgBus

A strong interest in economics and biological sciences led Carter to Curtin University and a Bachelor of Agribusiness, which in turn led to a graduate role with Planfarm. Carter has developed valuable expertise on Horticulture and Broadacre farming through driving the preparation of Horticulture Benchmarks and Broadacre Benchmarks.

As Carter builds his knowledge and skillset of both Western Australian agriculture and Planfarm’s dynamic and diversified client base, he will also contribute to the future of our continual growth and improvement.

THEA WALKER

THEA WALKER

GRADUATE HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT

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B.AgBus

After completing a degree in Agribusiness at Curtin University, Thea has brought her passion for horticulture into her grad role at Planfarm. Hailing from a mixed livestock/horticulture farm in the Manjimup region, her experience and knowledge of these farming systems make her a valuable addition to Planfarm horticulture team.

Support and Management Team

COLIN ROSE

COLIN ROSE

PROJECT MANAGER

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B.AppSc PE

Colin forms the very important nucleus of Planfarm and its varied professional divisions. He has significant expertise across a range of diverse business disciplines and partners with our entire team to develop and guide policies, procedures, efficiencies and indeed the integral direction of the Planfarm brand and ethos.

EMILY DEMPSTER

EMILY DEMPSTER

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

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BEC (Hons)

With qualifications focusing on finance and economics and a background in banking, Emily joined Planfarm in 2012. Emily partners with clients to proffer expert grain marketing advice and individualised strategies to manage price risk, brokerage and position management and judicious leadership in the areas of global grain supply, demand and price.

KAREN BORRETT

KAREN BORRETT

ACCOUNTS & PAYROLL OFFICER

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Karen’s previous banking management skills have provided Planfarm with a highly skilled accounts employee to manage the creditors and debtors and invoicing throughout the entire Planfarm group. Based out of Planfarm’s Northam office, Karen is essential in providing valuable consultant support as well as being responsible for the Planfarm groups wages. Karen provides input on HR, consultants farm business budgets, and management of Planfarm’s herbicide app.

MARNIE THURKLE

MARNIE THURKLE

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR

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From a Mid-West farming background, Marnie worked all over WA before settling in Geraldton. Here she puts her qualification in Business Management to excellent use, supporting the Geraldton offices’ Business Consultants and Agronomists throughout the year as well as publishing Planfarm’s various newsletters, media releases and event flyers, coordinating Planfarm’s various social media and communication platforms, and providing assistance across all things Planfarm Academy.

RACHAEL FERGUSON

RACHAEL FERGUSON

ADMINISTRATION

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Rachael’s meticulous nature and previous banking experience has ensured she is a highly valued member of Planfarm’s Narrogin team, fulfilling a range of administrative roles, including Consultant support, budget coordination and preparation, and internal training for Planfarm’s support team members including the graduate program. Rachael’s highly credentialled and regarded administrative skills are utilised by many of her Planfarm teammates throughout all the offices in WA to great effect.

PURBAJ RANABHAT

PURBAJ RANABHAT

ACCOUNTANT

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Hailing from Nepal, Purbaj comes to us with valuable experience, having recently contributed to the success of Merredin Farms in Merredin. Eric, a familiar face in our team, had the pleasure of working alongside Purbaj during his time in Merredin.

Purbaj’s academic background is impressive, boasting a Master of Professional Accounting from James Cook University and a Master of Business Studies (Finance) from Tribhuvan University.

As we continue to expand our reach and impact in the corporate landscape, we extend a warm welcome to Purbaj. We look forward to the wealth of skills, expertise, and fresh perspectives he brings to our dynamic team.

LEANNE STANES

LEANNE STANES

ADMINISTRATION

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Leanne has over 20 years’ experience in administration, spending some time in the south west at Harvey Meat Exports & South West Development Authority then returning to Perth, working in a variety of workplaces holding roles in education, mining, aged care, medical supply. 

Her caring, friendly manner brings a welcoming touch to our front of office and provides our team with administration support to ensure the smooth running of the Osborne Park office.

SHIRLEY O’FARRELL

SHIRLEY O’FARRELL

ADMINISTRATION

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Following an extensive banking background, Shirley is now an essential component of the Narrogin office’s Admin team. Shirley works on Planfarm Marketing’s compliance and accounting as well as handling budget bookings and coordination and Consultant support. Shirley’s excellent communicative and client liaison skills ensure every visitor to the Narrogin office experiences a professional and warm and friendly visit to Planfarm.

Zoe Campbell

Zoe Campbell

GRAIN MARKETING ADMINISTRATION

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Planfarm Marketing is delighted to welcome Zoe Campbell as the latest addition to the team. Zoe’s role, based in the Geraldton office, will be as the Operational Support/Data Analyst to the grain marketing team. Zoe comes to us with a unique combination of experience which includes being a former farmer (currently married to a current Ag service industry person), previous administration roles within the education department, multiple grower group involvements and business development positions with local shires. In her spare time, Zoe enjoys being a mother to 3 teenage sons, playing polocrosse and has a passion for gardening stemming from her horticultural degree.”

Our Services

Farm Business Consulting

Essentially, we put our 46 years in the business of farming, into your farm business.

Grain Marketing

Grain Marketing goes a long way to justifying our slogan, ‘Partner with Planfarm’.

Agronomy

If you’re a farmer or farming business looking to partner with an Agronomist, the key word to consider here is ‘independent’.

Horticulture

Planfarm’s consulting arm to Horticulture provides farmers and farm businesses with unprecedented access to professional support and data.

Additional Resources

Planfarm offer a number of helpful resources for use by the farming community.