About us

Thomas Elder Institute (TEI) is the research, development and extension arm of Elders.

The Institute aims to drive sustainable profitability across Australian agriculture by bridging the gap between research and change to on-farm practices.

Our team

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.

What we do

The Thomas Elder Institute actively aids in the development and progression of Australian agriculture by:

• bridging the gap between research and the farm gate with the extensive Elders and Thomas Elder Consulting advisor network
• collaborating with industry, government and educational institutions to conduct research, development and extension activities
• partnering with agribusiness for adoption of the latest innovation and technology
• working with industry to develop advisor capability.

Our affiliates

Elders Rural Services

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:

• Rural products
• Agency Services (livestock and grain trading)
• Real Estate
• Financial Services
• Feed and Processing
• Elders Graduate Agronomy Program.

We work with these individual business units to undertake projects and investigate opportunities to develop our network and opportunities for our clients.

Elders Technical Services

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.

Thomas Elder Consulting

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

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.