Declan Sephton
Busselton,Australia
Summary
Experienced agricultural professional with 20+ years of expertise in farm management, livestock care, crop production, and team leadership. Adept at fostering strong customer relationships, managing multi-faceted rural operations, and achieving business objectives. Extensive experience managing livestock, crops, horticulture operations, complemented by a proven ability to lead and develop teams to deliver exceptional outcomes.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Broadacre Technical Specialist
BASF
Southern WA
01.2017 - Current
- Implemented market development programs, supporting the introduction of new products and technologies to the horticultural and broadacre cropping sector
- Delivered agronomic training and technical support to sales teams, agronomists and growers, improving product adoption and performance
- Built and maintained strong relationships and networks with growers, agronomists, and consultants
- Conducted product demonstrations and trials, ensuring technical excellence and market readiness
- Completed all record keeping and administration tasks required in the role
Branch Manager
Landmark
Gnowangerup, WA
12.2013 - 01.2017
- Day to day management of staff and all product and service activities
- Manage sales, profit & operational performance within the branch
- Manage all Merchandise, Ag Chemical, Fertiliser & Animal Health sales
- Debtor & inventory control
- Selling all activities to key clients
- Business planning, sales and expense budgeting for all activities
- Forecasting Crop Protection, Animal Health and Fertiliser products
- Negotiation and business planning with customers and suppliers
Farm Manager
Servest Interior Solutions
South Africa
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Managed farm operations, including financial planning, stock control, and staff supervision
- Directed planting, pruning, fertilizing, and care of plants and trees for indoor use
- Sourced suppliers and managed sales to clients within and outside the company
General Manager / Partner
Lowlands Estate
South Africa
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Led day-to-day management of livestock, including a Dohne Merino stud and beef cattle
- Oversaw cropping operations, including maize, soybeans, lucerne, and pecan nuts
- Managed irrigation systems, staff, and subcontractors, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
- Developed and implemented budgets and operational plans, achieving financial and operational objectives
Education
Bachelor of Agricultural Management -
University of Natal
Pietermaritzburg01.1996
Skills
- Livestock management
- Horticultural and vineyard operations
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Financial and operational planning
- Supply chain and inventory management
- Customer and stakeholder relationship building
- Farm safety and compliance
- Exceptional communication and conflict resolution skills
Certification
- Current Australian driver’s license
- Certificate in Livestock Management (Australia)
Accomplishments
- Vice-chairperson of the Karoo Dohne Club (2008-2009).
- Named Employee of the Year (2011) at Servest Interior Solutions.
- Obtained Dohne Merino Classing Certificate for stud breeders.
- Safe Chemical Handling Certificate (2014)
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Broadacre Technical Specialist
BASF
01.2017 - Current
Branch Manager
Landmark
12.2013 - 01.2017
Farm Manager
Servest Interior Solutions
01.2010 - 01.2013
General Manager / Partner
Lowlands Estate
01.2005 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Agricultural Management -
University of Natal