The Institute aims to drive sustainable profitability across Australian agriculture by bridging the gap between research and change to on-farm practices.
Leading the Thomas Elder Institute is Dr Michael Wilkes. Michael holds a doctorate in Animal Science from the University of Adelaide.
Having worked in research, extension and consultancy roles, Michael values the integration of the public and private sectors to drive growth in agricultural industries. Michael has a passion for the practical use of new technology and management practices in sustainable agricultural systems.
Michael is supported by a small team including Andrew Phelan, AgTech Development Officer, Dr Carly Rosewarne Submissions Developer and Dr Thakur Bhattarai, Carbon Farming Technical Manager. All three work across a range of major projects focussed on the practical application of AgTech and sustainable farming practices in Australian agriculture.
The Thomas Elder Institute actively aids in the development and progression of Australian agriculture by:
We work closely with the rest of the Elders Rural Services business and affiliate businesses to deliver our projects and initiatives.
The Elders Rural Services business comprises:
We work with these individual business units to undertake projects and investigate opportunities to develop our network and opportunities for our clients.
We work very closely with Elders Technical Services to deliver results and information on technology demonstration site activity, contract research as well as AgTech solutions to our immediate clientele, and the industry at large.
We work with Elders fee-for-service consultancy business, Thomas Elder Consulting (TEC) to deliver industry project initiatives and conduct contract trial work. TEC has consultants Australia wide, working across the broadacre cropping, horticulture and livestock industries.
Thomas Elder Markets (TEM) is an independent market analysis service providing premium reporting services to the Australian agricultural industry. We collaborate with TEM to deliver analysis, feasibility studies and reports to our industry partners.
For more information including how you can partner with us, please call Dr Michael Wilkes, Head of Thomas Elder Institute on 0438211247.
If you want further information about any aspect of the Thomas Elder Institute, simply complete the form below and we’ll get back to you.