Andrew Solomann
Conara,Australia
Summary
I am a successful, results-driven, dedicated agribusiness professional with over 33 years of experience managing large-scale agricultural operations. I am highly skilled in financial analysis, strategic planning, and team leadership, with a proven track record of achieving business targets and driving organisational success. I am experienced at building high-performing teams, developing comprehensive business plans, and implementing innovative farming systems. I possess excellent communication skills, industry acumen, and a strong focus on safety and efficiency. I have demonstrated the ability to manage complex projects, foster internal collaboration and external relationships, and lead through crises. I have been recognised for outstanding achievements in farm management, including significant improvements in livestock rates, crop yields, and financial performance. I am committed to maintaining high standards of personal presentation while upholding board governance practices.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Aggregation Manager
Rimanui Farms (Australia) Ltd
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Company Overview: Vaucluse is a 4,400 ha mixed cropping and livestock property with 2,800 ha of irrigated farmland, 800 ha of dryland pastures, and the remaining area in bush
- Manage a large-scale irrigated property
- Lead a team of 13 farm employees
- Develop a great team culture to be the employer of choice
- Set the daily and yearly direction of the farm business
- Attention to detail on every project or task undertaken
- Build and manage the financial budget and report on variances
- Perform in the top 10% of Agribusiness in the state
- Monitor and report monthly and weekly
- Vaucluse is a 4,400 ha mixed cropping and livestock property with 2,800 ha of irrigated farmland, 800 ha of dryland pastures, and the remaining area in bush
Agri-business Manager
Big Rural Ltd
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Company Overview: 4,000 ha over three blocks with 2,000 ha effective, wintering 17,000 stock units, 9,500 breeding ewes, and 1,000 breeding cows
- Run a successful large-scale sheep and beef breeding business
- Drive team culture and safety in the workplace
- Develop a three-year business plan
- Set clear expectations for all permanent staff and contractors
- Scrutinize monthly budgets and report on any variances
- Implement the farm environment plan
- Write farm reports and record data using FarmIQ and Farmax
- Maintain an organized and tidy farm, ready for visitors
- Communicate effectively with the farm's Directors and support office staff
- 4,000 ha over three blocks with 2,000 ha effective, wintering 17,000 stock units, 9,500 breeding ewes, and 1,000 breeding cows
- Amalgamated two properties into one
- Set up new farming systems with a 3-year business plan, accompanied by Farmax files and financial budgets
- Became farm assured and worked towards FMP – Plus accreditation
Farm Manager
Rimanui Farms Ltd
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Company Overview: Lochinver Station, 13,843 ha, 9,500 ha effective, wintering 85,000 stock units, 32,000 breeding ewes, 10,000 hoggets, 2,500 breeding cows
- Manage a large-scale sheep, beef, and dairy support business
- Manage a successful on-farm livestock pre-export quarantine facility
- Drive team culture and safety in the workplace for all 23 staff
- Support the farm’s three-unit managers daily
- Develop a three-year business plan
- Plan and organize a 1,750 ha cropping program
- Set clear expectations for all permanent staff and contractors
- Scrutinize monthly budgets and report on any variances
- Write farm reports and record data using FarmIQ and Farmax
- Approve all farm expenditures
- Maintain an organized and tidy farm, ready for visitors
- Communicate effectively with the farm's General Manager and head office staff
- Focus on customer satisfaction
- Manage risks and crises
- Work within company policies
- Lochinver Station, 13,843 ha, 9,500 ha effective, wintering 85,000 stock units, 32,000 breeding ewes, 10,000 hoggets, 2,500 breeding cows
- Operated a high-performing farm business
- Executed capital projects in excess of $1.0 million
- Designed and developed 7,000 hectares with new subdivision fencing, water systems, and livestock handling facilities
- Reduced the winter cropping platform from 1,400 ha to 850 ha while maintaining total yield
- Increased livestock rate by 16,000 stock units over 4 years
- Collaborated with apiarists for site preparation and placement of 950 beehives
- Created a 750 ha Lucerne block for lamb finishing and silage harvesting
- Docked 50,000 lambs from 31,000 breeding ewes
- Managed staff and their families effectively through a major disaster and a pandemic
- Achieved a 3-year average of $650/ha EBIT with a return on capital of over 5% on average
- Trained and mentored young farm managers
Farm Manager
Landcorp Farming Ltd
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Company Overview: Parikanapa Station, 3,747 ha, 3,065 ha effective, wintering 30,000 stock units, 13,500 breeding ewes, 4,200 hoggets, 1,100 breeding cows
- Run a successful large-scale sheep and beef farm
- Implement and carry out a three-year business plan
- Plan and organize the work of five permanent staff plus contractors
- Monitor monthly budgets for both feed and financial aspects
- Adhere to farm pride and work-safe guidelines
- Communicate effectively with the Regional Business Manager and head office staff
- Work within company policies at all times
- Parikanapa Station, 3,747 ha, 3,065 ha effective, wintering 30,000 stock units, 13,500 breeding ewes, 4,200 hoggets, 1,100 breeding cows
- Amalgamated four farms into one large-scale operation
- Executed capital projects in excess of $500k
- Built up farm pride status to 95% and maintained quality
- Participated in the CEO’s Innovation and Technology Group
- Completed Rabobank Farm Managers Course
- Served as a board member of the Waipaoa Station Cadet Training Trust for 3 years
- Achieved a 3-year average of $400/ha EBIT with a return on capital of over 4% on average
- Helped 4 high school boys gain farm experience and achieve their goal of getting into either Waipaoa or Smedley
- Named the 2016 Federated Farmers, Gisborne – Wairoa Hill Country Farmer of the Year
Education
Executive Development Program -
Rabobank
01-2024
Media training -
Rimanui Farms
01-2019
Excel computer course -
ITO
01-2018
Courageous Conversations -
Landcorp Farming
01-2014
Financial Course -
Institute of Management
01-2013
Governance Essentials Course -
Institute of Directors
01-2013
Farm Manager’s Course -
Rabobank
01-2011
National Certificate Agriculture -
ITO
01-2005
Trade Certificate - Farming
Smedley Cadet
01-1991
Skills
- Analysis of financial and farming records
- Written reports
- Collection of agronomy and livestock breeding data
- High communication skills
- Hire and supervise staff
- Group leader
- Safety focus
- Building high-performing teams
- Project management
- Building external and internal relationships
- Industry acumen
- Achieving business targets
- Enthusiastic
- High personal presentation standards
- Board Governance
Training and qualifications
- 2024, Rabobank - Executive Development program.
- 2019, Media training
- 2018, Excel computer course
- 2015, Landcorp Leadership Programme
- 2021, Current First Aid Certificate
- 2013, Institute of Directors, Governance Essentials Course
- 2014, Courageous Conversations
- 2013, Institute of Management, Financial Course
- 2011, Rabobank Farm Manager’s Course
- 2010, Grow safe Approved Handler
- 2009, National Certificate Agriculture Level 4 & 5
- 2001, Associate Judge for the NZ Angus Association Council
- 1992, Trade Certificate in Farming
- 1991, Smedley Cadet
- 1989, Gisborne Boys High School
Timeline
Aggregation Manager
Rimanui Farms (Australia) Ltd
01.2023 - 01.2025
Agri-business Manager
Big Rural Ltd
01.2021 - 01.2023
Farm Manager
Rimanui Farms Ltd
01.2016 - 01.2021
Farm Manager
Landcorp Farming Ltd
01.2008 - 01.2016
Executive Development Program -
Rabobank
Media training -
Rimanui Farms
Excel computer course -
ITO
Courageous Conversations -
Landcorp Farming
Financial Course -
Institute of Management
Governance Essentials Course -
Institute of Directors
Farm Manager’s Course -
Rabobank
National Certificate Agriculture -
ITO
Trade Certificate - Farming
Smedley Cadet
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