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Nathan CraigExecutive Officer Mob: 0438 924 208 Nathan Craig hails from a family farm in Western Victoria where he spent the first seven years of his career as farm manager on their mixed enterprise (sheep and crop) farm. He has a strong background in annual and perennial pasture management, livestock production as well as the development of a cropping enterprise that worked synergistically with the pasture system. Nathan has recently completed a PhD at UWA on “Plant available nitrogen in monoculture wheat under long-term no tillage” |
"I love my role. There are so many opportunities for the West Midlands region to share with our members. There are plenty of challenges ahead as well, but that is our role: to find solutions and share with the WMG community."- Nathan Craig, 2021
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Melanie DixonMixed Farming Systems Officer Mob: 0459 353 840 Mandurah local Melanie completed a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Science from Murdoch University in 2020. New to the agricultural industry, Melanie is passionate about supporting positive and viable innovations in mixed farming. She has a particular interest in preparing the farming community for future disruptions in a rapidly changing industry. |
"The farming industry is changing so fast and I'm really proud to be part of developing feasible and innovative long-term farming practices. I've felt incredibly welcomed in the agricultural industry and am loving learning about such a dynamic lifestyle."- Melanie Dixon, 2021 |
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Erin O'BrienBeef Industry Development Officer Mob: 0427 246 846 Hailing from Perth, Erin graduated from Murdoch University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then, she has completed a couple of stints with beef focused operations, including working on a cattle station in the Northern Territory. Erin is looking forward to supporting the development of the pastoral beef supply chain, and in particular, the many backgrounders that grow pastoral cattle out in our region. |
"There is so much happening in agriculture all over the world, and it is such a vital part of society. New developments, practices and technologies are emerging all the time. I'm excited to be a part of the journey and getting to work with and learn from our local producers."- Erin O'Brien, 2021 |
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Simon KrugerProject Communications Officer Mob: 0420 729 055 Coming from a successful 13-year career as a Chef in Perth, Simon completed a Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communications) specialising in digital design from Curtin University between 2019 and 2021. New to the agricultural industry but not to the region, Simon has returned to his hometown of Dandaragan to begin his new career in communications. He is passionate about problem solving, user experience, innovation, and education and looking forward to bringing his thirst for knowledge and unique skillset to the WMG team and region. |
"I'm learning really quickly about the depth of passion and knowledge that exists and is continually growing within the ag industry. I'm particularly excited to work with our members, industry, research groups and the local community to solve problems and support sustainable growth."- Simon Kruger, 2022 |
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Michelle JohnsonAdministration Officer Mob: 0458 495 384 Michelle is from Melbourne but lives in Nilgen and previously worked in retail and administration before heading to West Midlands Group. She also spent time raising her daughter, who now studies agriculture herself. She's interested in assisting farmers to help the community thrive and grow in a changing world. |
"I am enjoying the journey of discovery and wealth of knowledge that is the West Midlands Group. I love speaking to different people and enjoy challenging myself to grow knowledge of a completely different industry."- Michelle Johnson, 2021 |
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Katie BurtonCommunications & Marketing Officer Mob: 0438 301 986 Katie originally hails from the Perth Hills but has spent the last 12 years in the Wheatbelt region. Her colourful career spans a range of industries from hospitality and business administration to local government and tourism. Marketing has always called to Katie as she found herself assisting local small businesses with their marketing aspirations, leading her to focus her career journey in this direction. Katie obtained her certificate in Intensive Social Media in 2020 from Social Media College and has also completed a number of short courses in the communications and marketing space giving her an extensive range of skills. |
"I fell in love with marketing, and I often say marketing chose me. I’m a regional person and I come from a farming background, I love the country and the lifestyle. Working for WMG is a dream as I get to enjoy my love of country life, agriculture, people I relate to well and spend my time doing what I enjoy most, marketing. I look forward to contributing to the growth and wellbeing of the area and the business."- Katie Burton, 2022 |