Kara Knudsen

Kara, a 2013 Scholar from Mundubbera, Queensland, runs a beef enterprise and is passionate about the future of agriculture in Australia. In 2013, she studied accelerating genetic progression in the Northern Australian beef herd. Since then, Kara has been actively involved with Nuffield, holding various volunteer roles in sponsorship, conference organisation, strategic planning, and serving on multiple committees.

Kara has significantly contributed to shaping the beef industry, including her role in the 2019 taskforce reviewing the Red Meat Industry MOU. She has also completed the Worshipful Company of Farmers (WCF) Advanced Agribusiness course and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course.

In addition to her professional achievements, Kara is deeply involved in community events and is passionate about highlighting rural Australia. She is committed to helping Nuffield achieve its strategic goals and continuing to drive innovation and change in Australian agriculture.

Board

Jane Bennett

Chair

Jane Bennett

Chair

Jane Bennett, a 2008 Nuffield Scholar, is an experienced agribusiness leader who has served on the Nuffield Australia Board since 2013. She is Chair of Hop Products Australia and a Non-Executive Director of Grain Growers Ltd and Sustainable Timber Tasmania.

Rob Bradley

Rob Bradley, a 2009 Nuffield Scholar, runs Bradley Agriculture in Tasmania, managing dairy, lamb, and irrigated cropping, and is a partner in a NSW broadacre farm. He serves on the Cressy Longford Irrigation Scheme, Toosey Aged Care, and Dairy Farm Management Business boards.

Don Madden

Don Madden, a 2010 Nuffield Scholar, is co-owner and director of Smithfield Cattle Company, overseeing lot feeding, exports, logistics, and property management. A former QLD State Chair, he has shaped industry strategy through ALFA and pioneered the feedlot sector’s first Trainee Manager program.

Guy Hebblewhite

Guy Hebblewhite, a 2013 Nuffield Scholar, joined the Nuffield Australia Board in 2024. He previously chaired Nuffield NSW and helped deliver the 2022 Tamworth National Conference. Formerly in chicken meat and Wagyu production, he is now developing an agri-marketplace and has held leadership roles in AgriFutures and ACGC.

Johanna Tomlinson

Johanna Tomlinson, a 2019 Nuffield Scholar from WA’s South Coast, joined the Nuffield Board in 2024. She runs a beef enterprise with her husband and has held leadership roles in NRM, biosphere initiatives, and regional investment. A graduate of AICD and Rabobank EDP, she is dedicated to strengthening regional communities.

Nigel Corish

Nigel Corish, a 2014 Nuffield Scholar from Goondiwindi, QLD, joined the Nuffield Board in 2023. As MD of New Leaf Ag, he farms 4,500ha of cotton, grains, and pulses. A graduate of AICD, he is Vice Chair of Grain Growers Ltd, a director of Cotton Seed Distributors, and Chair of Ability Agriculture.

Donald McGauchie, AO

Donald McGauchie was appointed to the Nuffield Board in 2013 as a special skills external Director. He is Chairman of Nufarm Limited, AACo, and AWTA, with past roles including Chairman of Telstra and the Victorian Rural Finance Corporation. A former NFF President and Reserve Bank Board member, he was named Rabobank Agribusiness Leader of the Year in 2001 and awarded the Centenary Medal. In 2004, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.