Field officers deployed across Australia by Grain Growers Limited have driven more than 150,000km — the equivalent of 3.7 times around Earth’s equator — to directly engage with growers.

Michael Southan, GrainGrowers general manager of grower development, said the four field officers had put in the hard yards since their appointment was announced in September.

“The field officers came on board to re-engage with existing Eastern States members and show South Australian and West Australian growers how GrainGrowers can help them following our expansion into these states,” Dr Southan said.

“All up, the field officers have phoned 5000 growers, attended about 300 field days or industry meetings, and visited many farm businesses,” he said.

“They’ve been our ears to the ground and have played a vital part in engaging members, gathering feedback and raising awareness about GrainGrowers’ products and services.”

The field officers are Adam Logan (Victoria and southern New South Wales – 0427 001 101), Susan McDonnell (Queensland and northern New South Wales – 0407 170 315), Ray Morgan (Western Australia – 0417 956 287) and Bill Vandepeer (South Australia – 0407 818 454).

Mr Logan, speaking on behalf of the field officers, said it had been educational and interesting to travel and meet growers on their home turf.

“Speaking with growers one-on-one and hearing about the issues that matter to them has been invaluable,” Mr Logan said.

“Some growers have obviously put a lot of thought into solutions to problems facing the industry, so it was terrific to gather these high-quality, considered ideas,” he said.

GrainGrowers is Australia’s national, independent, member-based, financially sustainable, technically resourced, grain producer organisation. Membership is open to all Australian grain producers and is free until 30 June 2012.