Andrew Bulkeley new FarmLink CEO

FarmLink Research today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Andrew Bulkeley as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 9th of November 2020. He will replace Cindy Cassidy, who leaves to join the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) in the position of General Manager, Agriculture.
Mr Bulkeley joins FarmLink with extensive experience in research and development, production, leadership and talent development. He has a background and education in systems agriculture and business administration. Mr Bulkeley spent 25 years with the British American Tobacco Group, developing and deploying business, R&D and operations strategies both in Australia and internationally.
Since returning to Australia in 2017, Mr Bulkeley has been consulting with agricultural firm Rounding Up across a range of projects. This has included the development of a National Variety Trial Scheme for the emerging industry of industrial hemp on behalf of AgriFutures Australia, and most recently supporting Cessnock City Council to establish an Agribusiness Cluster Action Plan to facilitate growth for the Hunter region’s agricultural sector.
Mr Bulkeley owns a mixed farming operation in northern NSW and has a long family history in broadacre cropping.
“I am delighted with the opportunity to join the FarmLink team,” Mr Bulkeley said. “Since its establishment in 2003 FarmLink has, through focused effort, hard work and extensive collaboration, delivered an impressive suite of research and new knowledge to the agricultural community. The Board, outgoing CEO Cindy Cassidy and the team must be applauded for their achievements and leadership. I can already sense the great energy, warmth and passion that runs through the organisation, and look forward to working collectively to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.”
Mr Bulkeley paid tribute to Ms Cassidy for the outstanding growth that the organisation has experienced over the past seven years under her leadership and the dynamic team culture she has fostered.
“Cindy’s contribution to FarmLink’s vision and values over many years is nothing short of outstanding, and the BOM are fortunate to have someone of such great leadership joining their ranks.”
Outgoing CEO Cindy Cassidy says she believes Mr Bulkeley’s blend of commercial and people leadership skills will enable FarmLink to continue its strong trajectory of growth into the future.
“This is a fantastic move for FarmLink and for Andrew. FarmLink has a great team in its staff and board, a passionate and engaged membership and a strong balance sheet. The business is ready for the next stage of its evolution and Andrew has the skills and experience to take it there,” said Ms Cassidy.

About FarmLink Research
Founded in 2003, FarmLink Research Limited (FarmLink) is a not-for-profit agricultural research and extension organisation in southern NSW. It is owned by growers and utilises the expertise of advisers and researchers. The company’s objective is to coordinate and communicate private, public and grower group-funded research and development activities both within the region and nationally.
FarmLink’s portfolio of research projects is growing year on year. Projects address issues relating to soils, water use efficiency, conservation farming, mixed farming, and digital and precision agriculture, among others.