Meet Our Team of Farmers
MSF is governed by a Board of up to 11 farmer and specialist Directors. The Board plays an important part in setting the strategic direction of Mallee Sustainable Farming with a vision to promote dynamic, profitable and sustainable farming systems across the low rainfall Mallee region.
Managing Director – since 2024
Jenny Garonne
Jenny Garonne brings over thirty years of leadership experience in business, economic and community development to Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF).
A proven leader in the Mallee area, Jenny is very interested in working with the Board and the skilled team of individuals to increase the understanding of the needs of low rainfall Mallee farmers, extending the profile of the organisation and collaboration with other service providers to enhance sustainability and innovation in the tristate region.
Located in Mildura, Jenny has a strong agricultural foundation with family ties back to the turn of the century and is committed to supporting farmers and their communities to be resilient not only for the coming years, but well into the future. With formal qualifications in accounting, an Executive Masters in Public Administration and graduate and member of the AICD, Jenny has extensive knowledge of finance and management to lead the organisation.


MSF Chair – since 2023
Steve Burt
Steve Burt is a successful entrepreneur and business leader in agribusiness. As Managing Director of Turfbreed Pty Ltd, Steve has been responsible for driving the company’s growth and success.
With his experience in managing multiple businesses including grain trading company PentAG Nidera Pty Ltd, and his position as a Non-executive Director of AMPS Agribusiness, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.
NSW Farmer Director – since 2019
Gavin Howley
Gavin farms with his wife, Rhiannon and his mother and father. “Woodmount” is approx 6000 hectares about half being floodplain forests on the Wakool – Murray junction at Kyalite. The farm has been in his family for over 100yrs and is a grain and sheep farm.
Gavin completed a Bachelor of Agriculture at Adelaide University, Roseworthy Campus and has done a farm exchange to the province of Saskatchewan in Canada.


MSF Vice Chair & SA Farmer Director – since 2014
Andrew Biele
SA Farmer Director – since 2021
Chad Nickolls
Chad is a grain and hay producer from Pinnaroo, farming with his father and brother and families. He studied a Bachelor of Ag Science at Adelaide Uni and did a short stint as a graduate agro with Landmark before returning home to the family farm.
Chad finds farming in the Mallee challenging and rewarding and is also involved with the local and wider ag community where he can meet like minded people who also share a passion for agriculture.
Chad’s long term goals are to be an efficient and productive producer while maintaining a sustainable system which can hopefully offer the next generation the same opportunities he has been given.


Specialist Director – since 2024
Angela Ewing
Angela brings invaluable experience to our board. Her impressive background includes roles at Ambulance Victoria and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, showcasing her expertise in operational strategy, market access, and policy implementation. Angela’s passion for sustainable farming and her commitment to supporting rural communities make her a perfect fit for MSF. She is eager to leverage her knowledge to empower farmers in the tristate region of Victoria, NSW, and SA, aiding them with research opportunities and informed decision-making for the future of their farms.
SA Farmer Director – since 2024
Sean Mason
Sean brings a wealth of expertise in soil chemistry and agronomy to our board. His distinguished career spans roles in academia and industry, including his work as Director of Agronomy Solutions, where he has led research on optimizing soil and plant nutrition.
Sean’s involvement in projects like precision agriculture and drought resilience highlights his dedication to innovative farming practices. His passion for advancing sustainable agriculture aligns perfectly with MSF’s mission, and he is eager to support farmers in the Mallee region with cutting-edge research and practical solutions for long-term success.
