Gordon
Verrall joined FARMANCO in March 2003 and has a large client base
in the Central and Northern Wheatbelt regions, with a focus on the
Dalwallinu shire. With a comprehensive and successful farming
background, Gordon has developed a strong 'hands on' skill set and
this reflects in his broad knowledge base which includes most crop
and livestock production systems. He also has specialist knowledge
of business management and financial analysis. Gordon has corporate
responsibility for the expansion of FARMANCO's corporate farming
services as well as operational management and innovation within
the practice.
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
- Bachelor of Agribusiness - (Marketing). (Pending) - Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia (Muresk Institute of Agriculture campus).
- Associate Diploma in Agriculture (February 1987) - Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia (Muresk Institute of Agriculture Campus).
- Agsafe qualification 2001, (accreditation in the use of Agricultural, Horticultural and Veterinary chemicals).
- Certificate in Legal Aspects of Landcare, (1998). T.A.F.E. unit.
Skills, Expertise & Interests
Consulting (Farm Management - Financial)
- Compile annual reviews analysing a business's financial and physical performance using profit analysis and reporting enterprise margins, profit, equity, liquidity, ratios / indicators and long term viability.
- Benchmark business performance.
- Prepare cash flow budgets (Agrimaster).
- Collate and reconcile cashbook's
- Analyse enterprise and rotational margins.
- Develop finance plans for seasonal funding, debt reconstruction, property purchase, machinery purchase, business restructuring.
- Analyse property leasing and share farming proposals. Develop contract content for short term and long term agreements.
- Working knowledge of the income tax system and its implications for the farming business.
- Good knowledge of off farm financial investment products.
Consulting (Farm Management - Technical)
- All aspects of crop agronomy (cereals, canola, Lupins, field peas, Faba beans and chickpeas) and pasture agronomy (legume based) as it relates to Western Australia.
- An extensive knowledge of crop protection including pesticide selection, spray adjuvants, pesticide application, and management of herbicide resistance.
- Rotational and Nutritional strategies for crops and pastures.
- An extensive knowledge of Sheep and Wool production systems including husbandry and genetics.
- An knowledge of Cattle production systems including husbandry and genetics.
Consulting (Farm Management - Marketing)
- Provide general information (not legally licensed to give specific recommendations) for price risk management using futures and options for currency and commodities, OTC products and forward cash contracts.
- Analyse marketing options to provide individual client commodity marketing plans (non-derivative).
Consulting (Farm Management - Strategic Planning)
- Develop farm business plans that reflect the focus and ambitions of the client and their family.
- Assist clients with estate and succession planning (with reference to specialists).
- Construct enterprise rotation plans after analysing the contribution of different enterprises to whole farm profitability and sustainability and considering integrated management of herbicide resistance.
Computers & Software
- Conversant with the operation of personal computers and associated hardware.
- Knowledge of various software including spreadsheets, word processors, specific agricultural applications and internet software.
- Help clients with cashbook coding, data entry and budgeting.
- Able to access and utilise various FARMANCO developed decision aids.
General
- An aptitude for figures and financial concepts - with a specific interest in business finance and analysis of business performance.
- Extensive practical experience in the selection and operation of most farm machinery. Also skilled in the area of machinery maintenance and modification.
- Genuine empathy and understanding of the personal and social impacts on farming businesses
- Still retain an active interest in 'farming' via landholdings at Three Springs and Bindoon.
- Good ability to communicate effectively, both in verbal and written format.
Interests
- Family, Farming, Botany, Camping & Bushwalking, Gardening, Travelling, Investing, D.I.Y.
Previous Employment & Experience
1992 - 2002 Glenavon Pty Ltd
Assumed control of the family farm at Three Springs. Further
developed this successful 2400 hectare farming operation to the
point where it cropped 1800 ha of Wheat, Barley, Oats, Canola,
Lupins, Chickpeas, Faba Beans and Hay, ran a 2500 DSE sheep
enterprise and a 50 head breeding cattle enterprise.
1990 - 1991 Co-ordinator, Curtin
University
A position within the School of Biology with the role of overseeing
sponsorship and research funding and ensuring sponsored projects
were carried out professionally, on schedule and within
budget.
Concurrently to this I was involved with the administration of the
Remnant Vegetation Protection Scheme.
1989 - 1990 Glenavon Pty Ltd
Returned as a partner to the family farm at Three Springs. The
operation involved 1400 hectares of crop, a 3500 DSE sheep
enterprise and a 120 head beef cattle enterprise with some
feedlotting.
1988 Tutor, Muresk Institute of
Agriculture
Tutor in Farm Management at Muresk to assist in the introduction of
the new farm management units.
