Our Team
SALES TEAM
David Clothier
National Sales Manager
David coordinates with our web, phone, and regional sales team to deliver quality hay throughout Australia.
Dave currently works as a Key Account Manager with Feed Central, where he assists large-scale dairy and beef producers and feed lotters in sourcing and supplying their fodder needs to suit individual specifications.
David has 18 years of experience helping livestock producers maximize their profitability by measuring individual animal performance with hardware and software systems across Australia. He completed a 2-year Diploma in animal production at Longreach Agricultural College, managed large beef, sheep, and wool enterprises in Qld and NSW before settling down in Warwick Qld with his family.
Outside of work, Dave enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time with his family.
David has 18 years of experience helping livestock producers maximize their profitability by measuring individual animal performance with hardware and software systems across Australia. He completed a 2-year Diploma in animal production at Longreach Agricultural College, managed large beef, sheep, and wool enterprises in Qld and NSW before settling down in Warwick Qld with his family.
Outside of work, Dave enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time with his family.
Anthony Balzer
Regional Sales Manager
Anthony travels visiting clients throughout QLD and NSW, developing relationships and assisting with their feed requirements.
Anthony has a passion for learning new things and getting out and about meeting new clients. He has many years of experience working in the Brisbane real estate sector, and he brings his skills in marketing and sales to the fodder industry when he joined the Feed Central team. He helps source quality hay to meet client requirements on a daily basis. He has a strong passion for the thoroughbred industry and enjoys chatting with like-minded clients who are looking for the right solutions for their livestock.
During his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his kids and getting out to visit the horses.
During his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his kids and getting out to visit the horses.
Neville Janke
Regional Sales Manager & Fertiliser Specialist
Nev has been helping long-term users of hay and grain to experience the Feed Central way of sourcing quality feed for cattle since 2011.
Many of you will know Nev as a qualified Agronomist and Horticulturist with over 20 years of experience guiding farmers in these industries.
Nev is also our resident fertiliser specialist, helping our customers decide on the optimal soil ingredients for thriving crops via our sub-brand Central Fertiliser.
Growing up on the Darling Downs in a mixed farming operation of dairy, beef, and grain set Neville up on a lifetime journey of studying soil & plant nutrition.
Responsibility in managing Fertiliser and Feed Companies and the thirst for information saw Neville complete Diplomas in Business Management, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Landscaping. Neville has also studied Mineral Nutrition and applied this to many sections of Soil, Plant and Animal requirements for farmers across Australia.
Nev is also our resident fertiliser specialist, helping our customers decide on the optimal soil ingredients for thriving crops via our sub-brand Central Fertiliser.
Growing up on the Darling Downs in a mixed farming operation of dairy, beef, and grain set Neville up on a lifetime journey of studying soil & plant nutrition.
Responsibility in managing Fertiliser and Feed Companies and the thirst for information saw Neville complete Diplomas in Business Management, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Landscaping. Neville has also studied Mineral Nutrition and applied this to many sections of Soil, Plant and Animal requirements for farmers across Australia.
Alex Smith
Regional Sales Manager
Alex works across Southern New South Wales and regularly travels along the coast and inland, meeting with farmers
and giving expert guidance on purchasing hay, feed testing, creating listings, and providing guidance on what the hay market is doing.
Alex has a wealth of experience in the industry, after growing up on a farm in Holbrook, then working as a stock and station agent. He later started his own contracting business before joining Feed Central completing inspections, then moving into a sales role.
Alex recently moved to Wodonga with his partner and two kids, where he enjoys camping and fishing in his free time, as well as watching the footy and cricket.
Alex has a wealth of experience in the industry, after growing up on a farm in Holbrook, then working as a stock and station agent. He later started his own contracting business before joining Feed Central completing inspections, then moving into a sales role.
Alex recently moved to Wodonga with his partner and two kids, where he enjoys camping and fishing in his free time, as well as watching the footy and cricket.
Tom Little
Web Sales Coordinator
Tom handles the incoming enquiries from our website and manages new customers looking for quality hay.
Tom has a passion for learning new things and getting out and about meeting new clients. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness from the University of Queensland, Gatton campus, and brings valuable hands-on experience, having been raised on a small mixed-cropping and dairy and beef cattle farm.
QUALITY SERVICES
Kimberley Detmers
Quality Services Operations Manager
Kimberley grew up on a small property surrounded by cattle and poultry most of her life and has a passion for agriculture.
This passion led her to complete a Bachelor of Science, with an extended major in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience. Kimberley spends her time analysing the nutritional composition of feed samples, speaking with clients about their results, and liaising with our partners to constantly improve our lab capabilities through regular and ongoing calibrations.
Stephen Page
Grower Services Manager
Steve started his working career with Elders working throughout Queensland for 9 years. In 1991 Steve took on the
management of an agricultural business for a foreign investor in the Goondiwindi region where he remained for 24 years producing grain, cotton, wool and beef.
He has a strong connection to the land, enjoys being out seeing the country, meeting and helping all those associated with farming. Steve has completed a number of Diplomas and is presently completing a Degree in Agrifood Production at UNE.
Steve is married with two grown children and loves having quality time with them.
Jeff Collingwood
Business Development Manager of Grower Services
Jeff’s role of Business Development Manager within the Quality Services team see him enhance client relations and drive business growth
in the Feed Testing area. He has enjoyed a very broad agricultural career across industries such as beef, dairy, equine, pig, and poultry
This has showcased Jeff’s expertise in milk supply management, territory sales management and implementing strategic sales initiatives to stimulate growth. His keen interest in animal nutrition, particularly ruminant nutrition, means Jeff is always happy to talk to clients about solutions for nutritional challenges. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons), specialising in Animal Production from The University of Queensland. Away from work, Jeff enjoys time with the family and working on his property with cattle and horses.
This has showcased Jeff’s expertise in milk supply management, territory sales management and implementing strategic sales initiatives to stimulate growth. His keen interest in animal nutrition, particularly ruminant nutrition, means Jeff is always happy to talk to clients about solutions for nutritional challenges. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons), specialising in Animal Production from The University of Queensland. Away from work, Jeff enjoys time with the family and working on his property with cattle and horses.
Sharan Gundry
Laboratory Assistant
Sharan joined the Feed Central team as Quality Assurance Assistant supporting Kimberley in her role.
Together they ensure all feed testing is carried out to the highest standard and delivered in a timely manner.
Sharan grew up in Charleville in South West Queensland and then completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Animal Studies at the University of Queensland in Gatton. Sharan worked at a Feedlot on the Darling Downs for 14 years where she gained an understanding of the importance of knowing the nutritional value of feed stuffs to maximise weight gains in beef cattle and the impact this can have on profit margins.
Sharan, her husband, and 2 girls enjoy a rural lifestyle with their dog and 12 head of cattle.
Sharan grew up in Charleville in South West Queensland and then completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Animal Studies at the University of Queensland in Gatton. Sharan worked at a Feedlot on the Darling Downs for 14 years where she gained an understanding of the importance of knowing the nutritional value of feed stuffs to maximise weight gains in beef cattle and the impact this can have on profit margins.
Sharan, her husband, and 2 girls enjoy a rural lifestyle with their dog and 12 head of cattle.
Vanessa Walker
Grower Services Co-ordinator
You can find Vanessa answering the phone, helping sort the daily delivery of feed tests for the lab, or helping out anywhere in the
office, always with a big smile.
Raised on the land, Vanessa comes from a background in rural auctions and administration, and she’s a regular all rounder who works across many of the steps of the quality assurance process.
Raised on the land, Vanessa comes from a background in rural auctions and administration, and she’s a regular all rounder who works across many of the steps of the quality assurance process.
ROVING INSPECTORS
Danny Dunne
Central Highlands, Victoria
Danny has owned and worked on farms his entire life, and enjoys learning how other hay growers do things when working as a hay
inspector for Feed Central.
John Taylor
Northern Victoria
John has a diverse agricultural background which includes running his own small farm forestry enterprise. He has been a familiar
face in the Strathfieldsaye area for over 30 years.
Jim Delahunty
Wimmera Region, Western Victoria
Jim Delahunty, a proud farmer from the Horsham area, has an unwavering passion for agriculture and broad experience as a grower,
feeder, seller, and buyer of hay.
Ariane Parker
New England & Northern NSW
Armidale-based Ariane has previously worked on farms, stations, and in the genetics research sector. She still works in the
livestock industry and brings her strong agricultural background to her work as a hay inspector.
Ben Wright
Central NSW
Ben has specialised in haymaking for nearly 20 years and committed his life to providing high-quality hay services.
Jeremy Boddington
South East South Australia
Jeremy has extensive experience in haymaking and farming. With a background in family farming, Jeremy has spent three
decades involved in hay production, both on his own farm and as a contractor servicing a wide radius.
Anthony Lines
Flinders Ranges, SA
Anthony Lines is a Flinders Ranges local and a third-generation hay farmer. Anthony and his sons, Ashely and Bradley are all trained hay inspectors,
and inspect hay across the region. Alongside their farming responsibilities, the family is is raising the fifth generation of farmers on their two and a half thousand hectare property at Laura.
Jim Harris
Goldfields Region, Victoria
With over five decades of farm business ownership, Jim has recently transitioned into a semi-retired role where he brings his
expertise to Feed Central as an on-farm hay inspector.
Wade Alexander
Burnett & Central Queensland
Wade is a flying rover who has a passion for farming and aviation. While operating a lucerne hay and beef cattle enterprise he also
inspects hay for Feed Central and drops by the office with samples in his Cessna 210.
ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS
Mark Gierke
Operations Manager
Mark fills the role of Operations Manager at Feed Central, where he leads the operational activities for the
Contracts and Logistics, Grower Services, and Quality Services teams. His primary responsibility is to ensure seamless end-to-end contract delivery, oversee product company logistics nationwide, and manage the day-to-day operations of the Feed Central office. With a rich background in both agriculture and aviation, Mark brings extensive experience in operations, project management, and contract fulfillment, stemming from his early career in aircraft maintenance. Raised on a farm in the Lockyer Valley, his passion for agriculture is deeply rooted, driving his commitment to streamlining processes and cultivating highly efficient teams. Outside of work, Mark enjoys pursuits such as mountain biking, family time, and playing music.
Nicci Gilbert
Administration Coordinator
After finishing High School, Nicci completed her Diploma of Accounting and worked in accounting firms for a number of years.
Nicci joined the Feed Central team in 2010 and has worked in a range of roles including contractors, logistics, human resources, and accounts. Nicci has a young son who keeps her busy.
Rachel Baskerville
Receptionist
Rachel brings a wealth of experience to her role at reception, serving as the initial point of contact for our customers,
managing customer inquiries, incoming mail, and sample receipt. Her journey in agriculture began in 2008 and has encompassed various roles, including Agricultural Inspector, Customer Relations Manager, and Seed Analyst.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION
Mark Jocumsen
Commercial Manager
Mark oversees a wide spectrum of internal technology management and new digital project development and execution.
With a career spanning over 25 years, Mark has specialised in enterprise application project management and business improvement consulting across a wide variety of industries and organisations. He has played a leadership role in organisational digital transformation programs for a number of national and international businesses. Mark holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Queensland and qualifications in various project management methodologies. He also ran his own business coaching and consulting business for eight years, working with hundreds of business owners to assist them in improving their business strategies, planning and processes.
Megan Ford
Events Coordinator
Megan plays a central role in managing sponsorships and events at Feed Central. Her responsibilities encompass organising events,
collaborating with sponsors and partners, and providing support for advertising efforts and overall coordination. Megan has been an integral part of the business since its inception, working closely with Tim in various capacities to contribute to its growth and success.
Jill Parker
Innovation and Growth Specialist
Jill comes originally from WA, with most of her farming experience being achieved over 20 years as co-owner
and manager of an intensive Horticulture property in Kununurra on the Ord River Irrigation Area.
During this time she managed contract picking, packing, marketing and logistics for up to 50 local producers over 5 crops. She has many years of experience in group marketing with Australian Fresh Mangoes, Australian Outback Mangoes and was a member of various peak industry bodies.
During this time she managed contract picking, packing, marketing and logistics for up to 50 local producers over 5 crops. She has many years of experience in group marketing with Australian Fresh Mangoes, Australian Outback Mangoes and was a member of various peak industry bodies.
QA systems such as Freshcare, SQF2000, NAASA, HACCP, Eurepgap and later with ISO 9000 Series gave her a good understanding of the Feed Central program. When not at work Jill enjoys snow skiing, sailing and spending time with her family.
Derek Kirstenfeldt
Development Manager
Derek has a diverse background in dairy farming and cattle. Growing up in this environment instilled in him a
strong work ethic and a profound connection to the land. Starting with a trade as a cabinetmaker, Derek developed exceptional craftsmanship skills and transitioned into project management roles within the building industry. With a natural aptitude for learning, he expanded his expertise to include web development, specialising in SEO to enhance online visibility.
Susannah Birch
Digital Marketing Specialist
Susannah Birch is a marketing professional who specialises in the digital space. She earned her Master’s degree
in Marketing in 2019 and assists the company in areas such as social media, websites, email marketing, and enhancing customer experience on the website. With a passion for staying ahead of the curve, Susannah keeps a keen eye on emerging technologies and enjoys local networking opportunities.
OUR DIRECTOR
Tim Ford
Managing Director
Tim established Feed Central in 2002 and is the Founder and Managing Director.
Tim has extensive hay and family farming experience in Southern NSW, Victoria, Northern NSW and Queensland. He has worked at a professional level of marketing hay and agricultural produce both domestically and internationally for 20 years.
Born and bred in the Riverina, Tim completed part of his secondary education in Melbourne, some in Western Queensland and then in Brisbane, before attending the University of Queensland (Gatton) to study a Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness). Tim has travelled extensively within Australia and internationally to gain an exceptional understanding of climatic and market conditions.
Tim’s career motivation is to ensure that Fodder Industry produces product that meets our customer’s expectations and to ensure that there are commercial, market based mechanisms to benchmark, differentiate and reward quality production. Tim has served as a board member for Australia Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) and The Queensland Agricultural Merchants Assoc Inc. When not working at Feed Central Tim enjoys spending time with his growing family and improving the family home.