Early Career and Expertise
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Andrew's journey in agriculture began at an early age. Raised on a large-scale mixed farm, he learned the intricacies of agriculture from his father and grandfather.

This early exposure gave him a deep understanding of the land and a commitment to innovation in farming practices.
 
At age 15, in 1991, he started his own beef herd and also began growing horticultural crops under drip irrigation, including rockmelons, broccoli, and lettuce.

This experience taught him invaluable lessons in livestock care, low-stress handling, crop management, and adapting practices to suit varying climates.
 
When the family farm was sold in 2002, Andrew transitioned into the business world.

His professional career began as an agronomist, where he developed a keen eye for crop management and soil health.
 
His roles at Tandou Limited, Landmark, and Elders provided him with invaluable experience in grain and crop production, setting the stage for his future leadership in the industry.
 
His transition into supply chain management and trade positions at GrainCorp and Elders Rural Services broadened his expertise, giving him insights into the logistical nuances of agricultural operations.
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Entrepreneurial Ventures and Leadership
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   1. Spade Management
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In 2004, Andrew founded Spade Management, his first entrepreneurial venture, which he successfully ran for four years.

Spade Management was born out of Andrew's desire to apply his extensive knowledge of agronomy and crop management to create value for farmers and agribusinesses.

The success of Spade Management demonstrated Andrew's ability to innovate and lead in the agricultural sector.

Through this venture, Andrew provided consulting services to farmers, helping them optimise crop yields, manage soil health, and implement sustainable practices.
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   2. Coppertree Farms
 
In 2015, Andrew founded Coppertree Farms, driven by a vision to revolutionise traditional farming practices and extract maximum value from agricultural operations.

His entrepreneurial spirit, network and ability to work with many and varied personalities propelled Coppertree Farms to success, with premium products featured in top tier Australian restaurants such as Rockpool, Bistecca, 6Head, Firedoor, and the Merivale group.
 
Under his leadership, Coppertree Farms adopted advanced processing and Dry Ageing Techniques to produce high-quality livestock products direct to restaurants.
 
Coppertree Farms was borne of the view that farmers were not properly extracting value from their family capital pool – stemming from poor use of technology, short term planning and a farm gate mentality with their produce, they were in fact price taking slaves to the processing and distribution markets.

“They should be selling steaks, not cows...”

Andrew explored the possibility to automate the slaughtering, processing, ageing, packaging, ordering and distribution of the end product with the aim of zero third party expense in the process of taking food from the paddock to the plate, and to do this with a net zero carbon footprint through use of green energy such as the bio-digester on the Gooloogong farm.

One of the key areas of success was to take retired dairy cows which were a low value “by-product” and create a value-added product which is now one of the most expensive steak's at Australia’s best restaurant.
 
After facing repeated challenges with funding limitations , Andrew's integrity and values remained intact, prompting him to part ways with the partnership to uphold his commitment to doing things right.
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Financial Acumen and Banking Career
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Drawing on his diverse skill set, Andrew ventured into banking and loan management, holding key positions at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ANZ Banking Group, and Westpac.
 
His tenure in the banking sector equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the various financial mechanisms available for agricultural investments and growth.

Andrew's ability to bridge the gap between finance and agriculture would later prove instrumental in his entrepreneurial endeavours and broader career as an agriculturalist.
 
In these roles, he developed financial models tailored to the agricultural sector, ensuring his clients had access to the capital needed to expand, maintain and modernise their operations.
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Licensed Stock and Station Agent
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In 2010, Andrew expanded his professional credentials by becoming a licensed stock and station agent.

This role saw him managing various procurement and sale strategies for large-scale clients such as Sundown Pastoral Company and notable beef studs like Wattletop Angus and Bald Blair Angus.
 
During this period, he gained expertise in pasture management and holistic farm management practices, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and knowledgeable agricultural professional.
 
His work as a stock and station agent involved not only the sale and procurement of livestock but also advising clients on best practices for herd health and pasture management.
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Livestock-Specific Programs and Accreditations
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Andrew holds, or has previously held, or adhered to numerous accreditations or standards required to operate in the Australian livestock and food processing sector, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of the industry's regulatory framework.

These accreditations include:
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• Property Identification Code (PIC): A unique identifier assigned to properties involved in the production or movement of livestock.
   

• Livestock Production Assurance (LPA): Ensures best practices in animal welfare, biosecurity, and food safety.
   

• National Vendor Declaration (NVD): Certifies that livestock are fit for transport and meet all regulatory requirements.
   

• Meat Standards Australia (MSA): Ensures meat quality through rigorous standards in handling and processing.
   

• Animal Welfare Certification: Recognises adherence to high standards of animal welfare.

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These certifications underscore Andrew's commitment to maintaining the highest standards in livestock production and food processing.

They also highlight his dedication to continuous learning and adherence to industry best practices.
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Deep Agricultural Understanding and Skill Set
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Growing up, Andrew’s family farm encompassed a diverse range of operations, from tending to cattle, sheep, and horses to managing precision irrigated cropping across varied soil types.
 
He learned invaluable lessons in livestock care, emphasising low-stress handling and adapting practices to suit the climate. His skill set goes beyond the typical farmer's repertoire, including:
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• Machinery Operation and Maintenance:
  
  Skilled in operating and maintaining a wide range of agricultural machinery, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
   

• Mechanical Repairs:
  
  Capable of performing mechanical repairs on farming equipment, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
   

• Spraying and Fertilisation:
  
  Experienced in applying pesticides and fertilisers, optimising crop yields while adhering to safety standards.
   

• Fencing and Infrastructure:
  
  Proficient in building and maintaining fencing and other farm infrastructure, ensuring the security and efficiency of farm operations.
   

• Welding and Fabrication:
  
  Skilled in welding and metal fabrication, creating and repairing farm equipment and structures.
   

• Livestock Management:
  
  Expertise in branding, tagging, breeding, and overall care of livestock, ensuring health and productivity.
   

• Pasture Management:
  
  Proficient in managing pastures to maintain soil health and maximise forage production.

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Livestock-Specific Skills
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Andrew’s extensive experience in livestock management is a testament to his deep understanding of the intricacies involved in raising and caring for animals.
 
His expertise spans several key areas, making him a well-rounded professional in livestock management.​
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   1. Livestock Health and Welfare
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Andrew is committed to the highest standards of animal welfare. His experience includes:
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• Low-Stress Handling Techniques: Implementing practices that reduce stress in livestock, thereby improving overall health and productivity using effective physical infrastructure such as the Temple Grandin (TG) yards and other more thoughtful management techniques.
   

• Animal Health Monitoring: Regularly monitoring the health of livestock to detect and treat illnesses early, ensuring minimal impact on herd performance.
   

• Breeding Programs: Developing and managing breeding programs to enhance genetic quality and improve herd performance.

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   2. Nutrition and Feeding
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Proper nutrition is crucial for livestock health and productivity. Andrew’s skills in this area include:
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• Diet Formulation:
  
  Creating balanced diets that meet the nutritional needs of different types of livestock.
   

• Feed Management:
  
  Implementing efficient feed management practices to ensure that livestock receive adequate nutrition while minimising waste.
   

• Supplementation Strategies:
  
  Using supplements to address specific nutritional deficiencies and enhance overall livestock health.

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   3. Infrastructure design and build
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Andrew has extensive experience in designing and maintaining infrastructure to support livestock operations:
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• Facility Design:
  
  Planning and constructing livestock facilities (i.e. Temple Grandin) that promote health, welfare, and productivity.
   

• Maintenance:
  
  Regular maintenance of housing facilities to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for livestock.
   

• Biosecurity Measures:
  
  Implementing biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases within livestock facilities.

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   4. Pasture and Grazing Management
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Effective pasture and grazing management are essential for sustainable livestock production.

Andrew’s expertise includes:
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• Rotational Grazing:
  
  Implementing rotational grazing systems to optimise forage use and improve pasture health.
   

• Pasture Improvement:
  
  Enhancing pasture quality through reseeding, fertilisation, and weed control.
   

• Holistic Grazing Practices:
  
  Adopting holistic grazing practices that mimic natural grazing patterns, improving soil health, and increasing biodiversity.

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   5. Livestock Supply Chain Management
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Andrew’s experience in livestock supply chain management is comprehensive and includes:
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• Procurement Strategies:
  
  Developing and implementing effective procurement strategies to ensure a steady supply of high-quality livestock.
   

• Sale Strategies:
  
  Managing the sale of livestock to maximise profitability and meet market demands.
   

• Logistics Management:
  
  Overseeing the transportation and logistics of livestock to ensure animal welfare and compliance with regulatory standards.
   

• Quality Control:
  
  Ensuring that livestock meets stringent quality standards through all stages of the supply chain.

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Leadership at Centuria Capital Group
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As the Head of Agriculture at Centuria Capital Group, Andrew oversees three unlisted agriculture funds valued at $600 million.

His leadership has positioned Centuria as a market leader in large-scale glasshouse, greenhouse, and under-net cropping, driving innovation and sustainability in the sector.
 
Andrew's strategic vision and execution have led to significant portfolio growth and enhanced investor returns.

He has been instrumental in developing strategies that integrate sustainable practices with profitable agricultural operations.

Click the below Image for an article about the  beef/restaurant business.