Changes to Your Ag Leadership in 2026
The Australian agricultural landscape is entering 2026 with a few key leadership changes in AgriFutures and the National Farmers Federation (NFF).
The Chair and CEO of AgriFutures Australia, Cathy McGowan AO and John Harvey have stepped down at the end of 2025 after guiding the corporation with distinction.
The Honourable Mick Veitch has been appointed as the new Chair of AgriFutures by the Hon Julie Collins, Commonwealth Agriculture Minister, and Brianna Casey AM succeeds John Harvey, who has led AgriFutures for the past decade.
The RGA and rice industry welcome these appointments and look forward to building on the work of their predecessors, knowing they both bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the sector.
The RGA also welcomes Michael Guerin as the new CEO of NFF. He has been acting in the role of CEO for NSW Farmers and previously the CEO of AgForce in QLD, which put him in good stead to lead NFF, the national Ag peak body.
The national advocacy landscape has also shifted with the election of new representatives to the NFF Board, including Peter Herrmann, President of the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA), and Ben Bennett, President of Australian Dairy Farmers, who have been appointed as new NFF Board Directors. Additionally, Queensland farmer Hamish McIntyre has been elected as the new President of the National Farmers’ Federation, bringing extensive cross‑commodity experience and a strong policy focus to the role.
As the agricultural sector enters this new era of leadership, these appointments represent far more than organisational change; they signal an exciting and energising chapter ahead for Australian ag and the RGA, and its team looks forward to working with these new leaders in the sector to maximise outcomes for our members and the rice industry.
Amid this period of transition, the RGA continues to provide steady, dependable leadership for its members and the rice industry. With a consistent strategic direction and an experienced leadership team, remaining firmly focused on delivering stability, advocacy, and strong outcomes for growers, positioned to work collaboratively with both new and continuing leaders across the sector to shape a productive and resilient future for Australian agriculture.
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