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Four new staff appointments

One of the key factors behind BioAg’s success in becoming Australia’s leading supplier of biologically-active solid nutrients and liquid microbials is the calibre of our committed and inspired staff.

To that end, we are delighted to welcome the following four people to the BioAg team:

Peter Stoneman has taken up a much-needed position as our resident Plant Chemist. He has had many years experience working in industrial laboratories for companies such as Wattyl Paints, CSR, Petroleum and Chemicals Corporation Australia Limited and SunRice.

In addition, he worked for 14 years as a Technical Officer for Central West Pathology Service based at Bathurst Base Hospital, including histopathology work for the Coronial Medical Officer.

More recently, he has been working as a Pesticides Officer for NSW Agriculture and the EPA, where he made a valuable contribution to the development of the ChemCert and SMARTtrain chemical training programs.

Peter has qualifications in Applied Science (Medical Technology), Purchasing and Supply Logistics and Natural Resources Law. He is also a qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor.

When he’s not at work, Peter can be found riding his BMW motorcycle attempting to uphold the Ulysses Club motto (“Grow old disgracefully”) or pedalling around the country in Audax bicycle events.

Personal Assistant, Marianne Puntoriero, who has more than 10 years’ experience in agribusiness administration, is the new Personal Assistant to BioAg Technical Director, Jep Gates.

In her new role, she works closely with Jep to develop custom made fertility programs that deliver an efficient and balanced source of nutrients to soils, plants and livestock.

Marianne has recently completed the Fertcare Level B Accreditation Program to improve her understanding of soil health and plant nutrition and is currently undertaking a Certificate III in Business Administration.

BioAg Business Manager – Animal Production, Martin Preuss, has more than 20 years’ experience in sales, marketing and business management within the agribusiness sectors.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Sc. (Ag.), Martin has worked in the animal health, livestock feed and vitamin/mineral premix industries and has a strong understanding of livestock nutrition.

In his new position with BioAg, Martin will able to draw upon his deep practical and technical experience to develop nutrition programs that improve animal health, productivity and profitability for the company’s customers.

BioAg Southern Area Manager, Richard Chibnall, completed an Advanced Diploma and then a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture at the University of Melbourne as a mature age student. After graduating, he joined the university in its soil and water research activities.

Richard says his keen interest in the complex interactions between soil, plants, livestock, human health and the environment makes biological farming a natural career path! This is backed by extensive practical experience on a number of farming enterprises throughout his secondary and tertiary education.

Based at Ballarat, Richard will service BioAg customers and agents throughout southern NSW, Victoria and south-east South Australia.