LOCALLY-OWNED agribusiness Australian Precision Ag Laboratory is expanding its presence across Australia, with appointment of Sam Bald as an equity partner and co-managing director to be based in a new Melbourne office.
The new Melbourne office adds to existing offices and labs in Adelaide and Perth.
An experienced broadacre agronomist, Mr Bald grew up in country WA and has spent much of his career with Landmark, running a profit share in WA before moving to Melbourne where he became the company's South East Crop Protection Manager and most recently the National Digital Lead.
At APAL, he will focus on business development in the eastern states, as well as the technology side of the business, particularly the company's Farm2Lab app and APAL Online system for monitoring samples through the analysis process.
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Mr Bald said buying into a progressive, family-minded business run by co-managing director Ryan Walker and his wife Anna was a great opportunity.
"Ryan and Anna are of a similar mindset to (my wife) Hannah and I in that we both see a significant opportunity to take soil and plant nutrition knowledge further in Australian agriculture," he said.
"We will combine local knowledge with technological innovation and a loyal customer focus to create a standalone independent, team-oriented, competitive business into 2020 and beyond."
APAL was founded by the Walkers in 2014.
Dr Walker said the Balds were a "perfect fit" for the business.
"They have similar values to us and share our vision for furthering soil and plant nutrition knowledge in Australia," he said.
"Sam's experience in agriculture across Australia will add significant knowledge to our team and help to strengthen the advice we give to our clients.
"APAL's expansion into Melbourne with Sam means we will be able to foster greater client relationships in the eastern states."
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