EP AGnFERT has welcomed Kevin Dart to a new sales agronomy role in Kimba, strengthening the local reseller's foothold on the upper Eyre Peninsula.

 

From a farming family between Cowell and Kimba, Kevin is a tertiary qualified agronomist who spent the past five years working in chemical crop protection. Previously, he spent two years in a rural sales-advisory role with a corporate retailer in Kimba.

 

Proprietor, Troy Maitland, said the appointment of a young, dynamic sales agronomist would help EP AGnFERT grow the business, improve technical services and develop a new program of research trials and demonstrations, totally focused on local challenges.

 

“Kevin’s right up to speed on local crop & pasture issues and is well connected in the farming community, having previously worked in the Kimba district.

 

“He has a solid grasp on the challenges ahead for our low-medium rainfall region and brings youthful talent and tech savvy into our growing business.

 

“Kevin’s appointment also means we can fast track our local research initiative - and learn from each other as fellow agronomists. His youthful talent and my industry knowledge and experience will be a great combo for our grower clients.”

 

According to Kevin, unpredictable weather will continue to challenge local farmers and a more flexible approach to rotations ought to be explored within EP AGnFERT’s planned program of trials and demonstrations in the 2021 season.

 

“There’s a fine line with input costs around here; they can have a big impact on crop and livestock profits, depending on the season and market prices.

 

“With a dry start, for example, we may need to be more flexible about rotations, be open to switch from a crop to a pasture and vis-a-versa at short notice.

 

“It’s a balancing act to meet plant nutrient needs, disease control and soil health in the longer term, while optimising current input expenditure.

 

“We should also explore multi-species pastures and other innovations that could improve productivity, water use efficiency and cumulative gross margins.

 

“It’s not always about new products and technology, we are fortunate to be able utilise older chemistry that continues to work and still has a fit in our rotations reducing overall input costs. 

 

“To farm profitably and sustainably, we must be resourceful, we can’t do the same thing year in year out,” he said.

 

Kevin can be contacted on  0474 272 577.