Our staff

Expert strategic thinking, strong technical knowledge, dedication and attention to detail, plus a complimentary range of skills, allows our highly experienced and professional team to help clients achieve the best outcomes for their business.

Robert Patterson

Cootamundra

Robert is the founding partner of Rural Management Strategies Pty Limited which has evolved from a business he commenced in 1987.  He has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from La Trobe University plus a Masters of Agricultural Science from The University of Melbourne and is also a Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Robert has over 40 years' experience in a broad range of farm business management situations, providing advice to broadacre mixed farming businesses, to intensive pig and poultry operations in southern NSW.  His main interests are the sustainability and economics of temperate farming systems, farm business management, plus strategic planning, including succession and estate planning, for multi-generational rural businesses.

With his strong background in business and financial management, Robert has held roles on industry Boards, including membership and chairing of Audit, Finance & Risk Committees.

Office: (02) 6942 3666   

Mobile: 0428 693 716

Mark Harris

Wagga Wagga

Mark is a partner in Rural Management Strategies Pty Limited.  He has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture) from Charles Sturt University, an Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness plus a Bachelor of Business (Agricultural Commerce) from Sydney University and is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mark has a diverse background in agriculture having worked with corporate farming organisations in cotton and summer grains production, retail supply companies and agricultural consulting.  He is passionate about increasing knowledge and professionalism in agriculture and works closely with clients as well as various industry committees and organisations to promote this theme.

Through his work with family farming operations, Mark has a valuable insight into the broad range of issues affecting these businesses.  He uses his skills in farm business management and strategic planning, to help clients operate profitable and cohesive businesses that can grow into the future.

Office: (02) 6921 3660   

Mobile: 0427 265 500

Greg Hunt

Cootamundra

Greg is a partner in Rural Management Strategies Pty Limited.  He has a Bachelor of Rural Science and a Graduate Diploma in Financial Management from University of New England.

Greg has extensive experience with agricultural businesses having worked in corporate agriculture and retail agronomy, before moving into consulting in 2001.  His particular expertise is in crop and pasture agronomy, livestock systems and analysis of whole farm business profitability.

Greg is interested in maximizing the synergies between perennial pastures and cropping in mixed farming systems.  He aims to provide relevant advice based on an understanding of the financial and technical aspects of the farm business.  Greg works primarily with family farming businesses and enjoys working with two or more generations of a family, who are passionate about running a successful farm business.

Office: (02) 6942 3666   

Mobile: 0428 471 765

Chris Minehan

Wagga Wagga

Chris is a partner with Rural Management Strategies Pty Limited.  He has a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) from Sydney University and a Master of Agricultural Business Management through Charles Sturt University.

Chris has extensive experience in production agronomy and farm business management, having worked as a farm management consultant in Northern NSW for four years prior to returning to southern NSW, where he grew up on a mixed farm. Chris joined the business in 2011 and became a partner in 2017.

Chris enjoys working with multi-generational family farming businesses, where he can use his technical knowledge, experience and inter-personal skills to help these families achieve their business and personal goals.  

Office: (02) 6921 3660   

Mobile: 0427 213 660

Fred Broughton

Cootamundra

Fred is an associate consultant with Rural Management Strategies Pty Limited. He has a Bachelor of Agriculture / Bachelor of Business from the University of New England.

Fred has a broad background in commercial agriculture, after having worked in broadacre cropping, livestock and horticulture enterprises, prior to joining the business in 2017.

Fred is passionate about optimising farm profitability through innovative agronomy and long-term strategic planning that encompasses sound cropping rotations, precision agricultural technologies, perennial pastures and low risk livestock systems.

Office: (02) 6942 3666

Mobile: 0431 585 253

Bec Dean

Wagga Wagga

Bec is an associate consultant with Rural Management Strategies Pty Limited. She has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) from Charles Sturt University.

Bec has a genuine passion for agriculture, having grown up on a property in Victoria where she has been actively involved in the day-to-day running of her family’s farm business.  Bec enjoys problem solving, working directly with growers on the technical aspects of agronomy and livestock management, as she develops skills and experience in financial and farm business management.

Bec is also passionate about precision agriculture and other technological advancements plus research and development in agriculture that can sustainably increase farm productivity into the future.

Office: (02) 6921 3660

Mobile: 0429 112 621

Angus Malmo

Cootamundra

Angus is a Graduate Agronomist with Rural Management Strategies Pty Limited. He has a Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agricultural Honours) from Sydney University.

Angus is excited to continue to develop his agronomic expertise having grown-up on a mixed farm in Southern NSW before joining the business in 2023.

Angus enjoys analysing the technical aspects of farming systems and has a keen interest in data management & statistics. Wherever possible, Angus strives to ensure that clients are making evidence-based decisions.

Office: (02) 6942 3666

Mobile: 0439 565 439