A season of change for FAR Australia
MEDIA RELEASE
Australian based field applied research, development and extension (RD&E) provider has announced that its Managing Director, Nick Poole will step down at the end of March 2026.
After 12 years at the helm as Managing Director and almost 22 years developing the unique Australian business, Nick Poole (Pooley) is standing down at the end of March 2026. Nick made the following announcement today.
Nick said “it is with a tinge of sadness that I am today announcing that I will be standing down, as FAR Australia’s Managing Director at the end of March 2026.
From a one-man band with a laptop bag in 2003 to a national RD&E entity, it’s been an amazing journey developing and building FAR Australia into what it is today. Prior to that 20 years in the UK working for Arable Research Centres, now part of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB).
That journey has given me the privilege of working with cropping farmers in the UK, New Zealand and for the last 22 years Australia. With a team of 15 first class staff based across Australia, and a board with a bold vision for the future, FAR Australia is well placed to fulfil an indispensable role in Australian broadacre RD&E.
As state governments gradually withdraw from productivity research and extension it is beholden on smaller independent RD&E organisations to fill the void, not only to generate the scientific data to drive our industry forward but to train the next generation of field research scientists. FAR Australia as a not for profit, national independent organisation is in a unique position to be central to this vision.
I remain a passionate believer in the role of quality field applied research combined with new technologies and higher science, to provide the profitable solutions for our nation’s growers.
For me I won’t be completely disappearing from the industry and will support FAR Australia with keystone projects in the next era of its development. However, after over 50 board meetings as the MD since the Australian business was set up, it is time for someone new to take the helm with fresh ideas, an ability to innovate, motivate and steer the organisation into the future.
I would like to place on record my gratitude to growers, advisers and researchers all over this great country who have supported me personally and our research work over the past 22 years.
Agricultural research has never been a job for me it’s been my life’s work and FAR Australia is a fitting legacy of my work in this field. Thank you all.”
On behalf of the FAR Australia board, Chair Andrew Rice pays tribute to the significant contribution that Nick has made to both FAR Australia and the Australian grains industry.
Andrew said “countless profitable decisions have been made by Australian growers based on R&D outputs developed by FAR Australia and communicated by Nick and our team.
Nick has been instrumental in FAR Australia’s growth to become a trusted independent, provider of RD&E services with a national footprint. His technical know-how, dedication, and ability to connect with growers and advisers has a lasting impact. We’re incredibly grateful for all he’s accomplished”. “The trust that growers and their advisors have in the information from FAR Australia across the country is a fitting legacy for Nick’s time as Managing Director, but the story for Nick does not end there.”
The Board is pleased to have Nick continuing to support the business. A focus on keystone projects and staff development, will be of significant value to the business and wider industry.
The FAR Australia board have commenced the search for a new CEO to lead the organisation into its next era. Andrew said, “change creates opportunities”.
“FAR Australia is at a pivotal moment, with a bold vision for 2026 and beyond. We are seeking a dynamic CEO to lead our RD&E efforts into the future. This is a leadership role – a chance to shape the strategic direction of one of Australia’s most respected agricultural research organisations.”
FAR Australia’s focus remains on the needs of growers and their advisors; specifically, their information and technology needs to operate profitable and sustainable businesses. Critical to meeting these needs are FAR Australia’ clever and dedicated people, both staff and associates. Further development of our current people and the next generation of will be central to our ongoing success.”
Nick will continue to be contactable on 0499 888 066 and nick.poole@faraustralia.com.au.
Andrew Rice
Chair, FAR Australia board
Ph: 0427 965 469
FAR Australia Annual Field Days – NSW, VIC, TAS, SA and WA
For growers and advisors wanting to catch up with Nick and the FAR Australia team, the organisation’s fast approaching Crop Technology Centre field days provide the perfect opportunity. See and hear about the latest research from FAR Australia, hear from other industry experts, and chat directly with the FAR Australia team.
The dates for the events are as follows:
WA (Esperance) Crop Technology Centre Field Day
September 5, 2025
Neridup, WA
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
WA (Albany) Crop Technology Centre Field Day
September 11, 2025
Frankland River, WA
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Riverina Crop Technology Centre Field Day
October 2, 2025
Yarrawonga, VIC
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
VIC Crop Technology Centre Field Day
October 10, 2025
Winchelsea, VIC
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bordertown Crop Technology Centre Field Walk
October 15, 2025
Bordertown, SA
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
NSW Crop Technology Centre Field Day (HRZ)
October 17, 2024
Wallendbeen, NSW
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
SA Crop Technology Centre Field Day (HRZ)
October 24, 2024
Millicent, SA
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
TAS Crop Technology Centre Field Walk (HRZ)
November 20, 2024
Hagley, TAS
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
For more details check the “Events” page of the FAR Australia website.