THE HART TEAM

 

Hart is proudly managed by a board of volunteers, all with a passion for broad acre agriculture.

With a deliberate mix of farmers and other professionals from across the ag industry, board members collectively provide a vast range of skills, experience and networks to the group.

We cover a broad geographical area too as our team farm and work across a large part of the Mid-North of South Australia and beyond.

Board meetings are held regularly to review and manage operations and to plan strategically for the future which means we have a clear and consistent focus; to identify the research areas that will enable growers to remain profitable and sustainable.

Successful candidates are elected at our AGM in October of each year for a three year term, at the end of which they may choose to either re-nominate or retire.

Staff employed by the group are ultimately responsible to the board.

OUR TEAM (2021/22)
Photo (L-R): Ryan Wood, Scott Weckert, James Venning, Deb Purvis, Rob Dall, Simon Honner, Matt Dare, Sandy Kimber, Josh Reichstein, Andre Sabeeney, Bek Allen, Declan Anderson, Stuart Sherriff.
Absent: Glen Wilkinson.

Keep scrolling for more information about each of our team members.

JOIN THE HART BOARD

Board member nominations are now closed.
But if volunteering on the Hart board something you'd like to consider doing, please click here to find out more.
Or give us a call, we're happy to chat any time.
Glen Wilkinson  |  0427 662 207
Sandy Kimber  |   0427 423 154
The next round of elections will be held at our AGM in October 2026.

    Click on image (above) to enlarge.

Our board members are very approachable if there's anything you'd like to discuss (general feedback, research topic suggestions etc.), please feel free to get in touch.

Hart board members

Glen Wilkinson - Chairman, sponsorship
Snowtown
0427 662 207   l   chairperson@hartfieldsite.org.au

Glen ‘Chip’ Wilkinson joined the Hart board in April 2020, keen to give back to the grains industry and help ensure there is a sustainable future in agriculture for his two sons.

Aside from the industry research and development outcomes of the Hart Field-Site Group, the Snowtown farmer says the social benefits of being involved in a common interest group and having the opportunity to catch up with like-minded growers is invaluable.

Chip has a particular interest in crop timing, the cyclic nature of cropping and increasing feasibility through crop rotation.

At home on the farm that he works with his wife and two young sons coming through, Chip takes responsibility for the crop planning and implementation, as well as the day to day spreading, spraying, harvesting roles as well as animal husbandry.

When he is not farming, he loves nothing better than getting out on the water for a ski, and enjoying good food and wine with family and friends.
 

Ryan Wood - Vice Chair, Sponsorship
Clare
0439 563 833   l   rd.wood81@gmail.com

Ryan Wood is a past chairman of the Hart Field-Site Group and joined the board to combine his passion for agriculture with the opportunity to work with a group of like-minded people across a broad range of expertise.

He is based in Clare and has a real interest in how all aspects of agriculture can work together.

Out of the paddock, Ryan is a husband and a dad to three young children, as well as a keen footballer, basketballer and tennis player.

  

 

Andre Sabeeney joined the Hart board in 2011 seeing it as a way to get involved with a pro-active group that could have a direct and positive impact for growers.

Outside of his work, Andre lives in Clare with his wife and two children and enjoys nothing better than getting outdoors for some camping and 4wd action.

 

 
 

Sandy Haskell - Executive officer
Clare
0427 423 154   l   admin@hartfieldsite.org.au

Sandy Haskell (Kimber) keeps the Hart Field-Site Group running smoothly as executive officer.

She has been a board member since 2008 and wears many hats in her role and her extensive knowledge and skills are second to none.

She manages our staff, sponsors, members, events, extension, marketing, group functions, the website…you name it, Sandy has her finger on the pulse.

Sandy is passionate about finding ways to provide information and resources to growers to help make farming better, easier and more profitable.

Outside of her Hart work, she has two children and loves photography, reading, movies, socialising and enjoying some of the fabulous wine the Clare Valley has to offer.

Dale Callary - Treasurer
Clare 
0427 486 868   l   dale@callary.com.au 

Dale joined the Hart Board in October 2024.

Currently the director of his own management consultant company, and with a previous background in farm operation management, commercial and agri-finance lending and rural accounting, Dale brings a strong passion for profitable and sustainable agricultural production, environmental responsibility, and supporting rural and regional communities. 

He’s deeply committed to promoting the lifestyle and career opportunities within agriculture and gives his time generously through volunteering and community involvement. His hobbies include water sports, camping trips up north, and local sporting activities. 

Residing with his wife and four children on a small hobby farm in the Spring Gully area of the Clare Valley, Dale enjoys the balance of family life, community engagement, and hands-on living. 

Known for his distinctive, loud laugh, Dale appreciates life’s simple pleasures, a good limerick shared among old country friends, and the occasional social get-together.

 

Matt Dare - Commercial crop manager
Marola
0407 463 001   l   matt@southmarola.com.au

Matt Dare joined the Hart board in 2001 and has worn many hats during his involvement including a term as chairman and a long serving representative on the sponsorship sub-committee. He has been the group’s commercial crop manager since 2014.

He joined initially to learn more about the technical side of crop production and the latest agronomy research.

In addition to his role as Hart’s commercial crop manager, Matt farms at Marola.

He has a particular interest in pulses but also innovation and improvement in agronomy and crop management, leading to increased farm productivity and profitability.

Matt is married with three children, is a die-hard Crows supporter and loves sport as an outlet outside of work including footy, tennis and cricket.
 

Rob Dall - Board member
Kybunga
0429 443 236   l   dallfarm@bigpond.com

Kybunga farmer Rob Dall joined the Hart board in 2019 after being inspired by his own experiences of Hart Field-Site Group's informative events over a number of years.

He was keen to help contribute to maintaining Hart's reputation as one of the best places for farmers to "learn and be informed to help keep their farms viable and profitable".

Rob farms with his father, enjoying all areas of agriculture, with a particular interest in the practical side of farming, along with innovation and agronomy.

Outside of work, Rob is married with two children and enjoys a hit of tennis and travelling.


Stuart Sherriff - Board member
Clare
0408 282 202   l   sherriff.stuart@gmail.com

Having had a connection with the Hart Field-Site Group through his previous employment with SARDI, Stuart Sherriff missed being involved with us (totally understandable!) and sought to join the board in 2020.

Stuart, an agronomist/research agronomist with Trengove Consulting, specialises in field trial management and pH map data processing.

He has a keen focus on lentil agronomy and sandy soil amelioration, pH mapping and management including lime application and variable rate technology.

Away from work, Stuart enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, and loves to get out camping when he can.

Scott Weckert - Board member, sponsorship
Blyth
0427 423 489  |  scottweckert@gmail.com

Having seen what the Hart Field-Site Group has contributed to agriculture in his local region, Scott Weckert was keen to join the board in 2021 to ‘give something back’ and help continue the legacy.

A farmer at Blyth, Scott is passionate about growing the best crops he can in a mixed rainfall area to maximise the potential of the family property.

Scott is husband to local school teacher Kerrie, and proud dad to their four children Lenny, Harry, Bobby and Eadie.

When he is not farming or involved in family and community activities, the weather is still never far from his mind when as pursues his hobbies of fishing and flying. 

 

James Venning - Board member
Barunga Gap
0408 275 954  |  barungagrains@gmail.com

Barunga Gap / Bute farmer James Venning joined the Hart board in 2021 seeing it as a way to challenge himself, develop his personal skills and further contribute to the farming industry.

Productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are three key areas of focus for James on his own farm, where he manages two to three full-time staff.

On the home front, James is married to Lauren and they have a son, Hugh, and daughter Willa, who keep them busy, but when time permits, he also enjoys travel and following Formula One racing.

 

Simonne Read - Board member
Adelaide
0422 235 537   l   simonneread@yahoo.com

 Profile coming soon

 

 

 

 

Zack Zweck - Board member
Kadina
0488 121 210   l   zwecky_17@hotmail.com

With more than 15 years of experience as an agronomist, Zack brings a strong passion for helping growers get the best from every crop, even on the poorest soils and in low to medium rainfall areas. He’s driven to make cropping both profitable and sustainable, focusing on long-term soil improvement rather than short-term gains.

Zack is also committed to simplifying farming for growers by cutting through the noise and concentrating on what truly works to deliver proven returns.

Originally from a family farm at Blyth, just across the road from the Hart field site, Zack maintains close ties to the land, with his father and brother still working the family property.

Now based on the outskirts of Kadina, he also runs a small hobby farm he affectionately calls his "working museum," filled with vintage machinery rarely seen on commercial farms today, including a Massey PTO 3342 header that still takes on harvest most years.

 

 

Hart staff

Research Team

Bek Allen - Research & extension manager
Clare

Rebekah Allen is on maternity leave from October 2025, returning early October 2026.

In her absence, please contact Kaidy Morgan for trial and site management enquiries, and Sandy Haskell (Kimber) for all other enquiries.

 

 

 

 

 

Kaidy Morgan - Research Lead
Clare
0409 390 558   l   kaidy@hartfieldsite.org.au

After completing her Ag Science degree at the University of Adelaide, and then Honours at CSIRO, Kaidy Morgan won Hart's 2023 regional internship where she quickly cemented herself as a valuable member of the research team. 

In 2024, Kaidy accepted an ongoing role at Hart where she has been able to continue working across all aspects of Hart's extensive trial program. She has a particular interest in improving on-farm drought resilience and is an excellent communicator when it comes to extending research to farmers and students alike.

Kaidy grew up on a mixed cropping and livestock farm on the Eyre Peninsula where she was happiest being outdoors and knew she wanted a career where she could continue to spend time outside learning. An all-round green thumb, Kaidy loves gardening in her spare time and baking treats for the office to enjoy.

Emily Newton - Research Assistant

Having recently completed Year 12 and a Certificate III in Agriculture, Emily joined the Hart team in August 2025 as a Research Assistant.

Actively involved on her family’s farm in the Mid North, she brings valuable hands-on experience and a strong enthusiasm for all things agriculture.

Emily’s interests span across many areas of the industry, including chemical applications, fertilisers, and learning about pest, weed, and disease management. She’s passionate about expanding her knowledge and building practical skills that support sustainable and productive farming.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys heading north for holidays, exploring new places, camping, spending time at the beach, and capturing moments through photography.

Emily has already proven herself as a valuable member of our team and we’re grateful to have her on board.

Admin & Finance Team

Sandy Haskell - Executive officer
Clare
0427 423 154   l   admin@hartfieldsite.org.au

See above for profile.

 

 

 

 

Robyn Howard - Finance officer 
Blyth   l    finance@hartfieldsite.org.au 

Robyn moved to Blyth four years ago with her husband, where they purchased and now live in a beautifully renovated church, a unique and charming property that perfectly reflects her creative flair.

Professionally, Robyn brings a strong background and years of experience in finance. Balanced by her creative side, a combination she jokes people often find surprising, she approaches her role with great professionalism and enthusiasm.

With two daughters and five energetic grandchildren aged between 8 and 15, family life keeps Robyn happily busy. Since settling in Blyth, she has become a self-confessed “golf tragic” and enjoys spending her downtime painting vibrant native florals in her art studio at the rear of the church. Her artwork is proudly displayed through the Arts Collective in Clare, where she is an active member.

We’re delighted to have Robyn as part of the Hart team.

  

Simone Lawry - Admin Officer
Koolunga    l   simone@hartfieldsite.org.au

Simone Lawry joined the Hart team in an administration support role in 2023 and hit the ground running in the lead up to the group’s annual field day.

The fast pace suited Simone perfectly, as many will remember her as a gun netballer before her schedule was filled with her three boys’ sporting pursuits.

Simone grew up on the family farm at Brinkworth and was involved with her husband Derek in a local garage and agricultural supply company before farm life called them back and Derek took on a farm hand role. 

She still loves to get out for a run, with the country roads around her home providing the perfect backdrop, although she loves to swap the dust whenever she can to enjoy her favourite pastime, paddleboarding on the ocean. 

 

Media

Gabrielle Hall - Hart media
Clare

Gabrielle Hall has been helping get the Hart message out since 2010 as the group’s media and public relations consultant.

Having worked in agricultural and regional print and broadcast media for more than 20 years, Gabrielle helps promote Hart’s major events by writing and distributing news articles and photos through her extensive network of media contacts.

Having grown up on a farm at Jamestown, she is passionate about helping deliver the stories of rural and regional Australia to the wider community and loves nothing better than getting out, getting her boots dirty and chatting to farmers to help get the Hart story out there.

Based in Clare, Gabrielle is mum to three sports mad boys, a wife, a freelance journalist/public relations consultant and spends plenty of time on the sidelines at the local footy and cricket!