Robert Larkham

Operations Manager on a cotton and grain / oilseed farming business on the Darling Downs for 25 years, total of 28 years employed with Tyunga Farms. Total area farmed 6,500 acres, 90% of which is irrigated by either flood irrigation or lateral move irrigators. Directly communicates with the general manager and delegates and supervises up to 10 other staff members at different times. Plans all aspects of farm management in conjunction with the owner. Organise day to day duties for staff and contractors. Communicate with local suppliers (agronomist, fuel, transport, fertiliser, chemical, transport companies). Manage the property to up to six weeks at a time whilst the owner is overseas. Maintain all machinery to a very high standard. Fabrication, building and repair of implements. Welding (mig welders both gas and gas less). Maintenance, servicing and repairs to all tractors, harvesting equipment, work vehicles, stationery engines and pumps. Planting, spraying, fertilising, ground preparation, irrigation, harvesting, logistics, cotton picking, grain harvest (corn, wheat, mungbeans, sorghum, chickpeas). Operating and maintaining 3,000T capacity grain storage complex with 35T pit, 30T dryer, cleaning grader and weighbridge. Earthworks ie laser leveling, excavating, backhoe and grader. Adequate record keeping.