Two new members were welcomed to Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula’s (AIR EP) board at its 2025 annual general meeting last month.
Incoming members Jake Hull and Marty Lovegrove were appointed at the AGM on 17 October.
The organisation said they would bring expert knowledge, fresh perspectives and deep industry connections that would further the group’s ongoing work in supporting local agricultural innovation and research.
At the same event, AIR EP farewelled retiring board members Ken Webber and Matthew Cook, and thanked them for their service.
AIR EP executive officer Naomi Scholz said the new members would bring diverse skills, knowledge and understanding of the EP’s agricultural industry to complement the board’s existing expertise.
“Both Jake and Marty bring with them a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our farming communities across the EP, as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience in research and development, farm management and project development,” she said.
“Together with our other continuing board members, they will provide leadership and direction to progress our research and innovation priorities for agriculture across the Eyre Peninsula.”
Based at Streaky Bay, Jake is senior agronomist at Nutrien West Coast Ag, maintaining extensive experience in on-farm research on the EP.
In addition to his new role on the AIR EP Board, Jake has been a member of the AIR EP Low Rainfall RD&E Committee since August 2024.
Marty shares his time between managing his family farm near Rudall, and as owner, director and chairperson of local independent agricultural retail business Cleve Rural Traders.
They join existing AIR EP board members – chairperson Bill Long, Dan Adams, Mark Stanley, Greg Arthur, Mary Rowe and Denis Pedler.
Ms Scholz said the meeting recognised the contributions of retiring members Ken and Matthew.
“Ken is a familiar face to many on the EP and beyond and has served on our board since 2020,” she said.
“Having ‘driven up every driveway on the EP’, as he likes to remind us, Ken has provided comic relief to most farmers and industry stakeholders for 30-plus years in his previous roles in chemical sales.”
A former member of the AIR EP Medium Rainfall RD&E Committee and LEADA, Ken always maintained a strong desire to see research developed, adopted and trialled for the benefit of farmers and the broader ag sector.
Matt has been instrumental in his role on the AIR EP board as both the Low Rainfall RD&E Committee representative and public officer.
“Passionate about the future of agricultural research and rural communities on the Eyre Peninsula, Matt has provided strategic leadership to the Upper EP ag sector through his involvement with EPARF, the Wudinna District Council and as a local farmer at Condada (near Minnipa),” Ms Scholz said.
“We are thankful to both Ken and Matt for their contributions to furthering the development of agricultural research and innovation across the EP by sharing their extensive professional knowledge and skills with our board and members during their recent terms.”
AIR EP is now looking ahead to its next priority projects, which include the launch of the new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan in the coming months.