Posted by on
18/10/2022
Within Australia’s agriculture industry the Esperance region is widely considered ‘young’ country, lending itself well to exciting opportunity, according to Rabobank Area Manager Ryan Meldrum.
“Our district benefits from a diversity of soil types, rainfall and scale, and the fact that it comprises largely of first and second generation farmers ensures there’s a unique energy driving innovation and growth,” he said.
Ryan, who this year celebrates 15 years with Rabobank – initially in Merredin, then Esperance – said that as a rural manager, it was extremely satisfying to partner with farmers whose businesses were ‘still maturing in their innovation’.
“As a bank solely dedicated to agriculture, we’re helping support farmers who are building very successful operations, with fresh ideas and knowledge, and it drives an enormous amount of value helping them grow.”
“The fact that many clients are of my generation strengthens the feeling that I am genuinely part of their journey, and is personally very rewarding.”
Passionate about agriculture
Raised on a farm at Merredin, and with his father also managing the local agricultural department research station, Ryan has a strong appreciation for innovation and its links to productivity and profitability gains.
“It’s been bred into me,” he smiles, before commenting that all staff in the branch are equally passionate about agriculture in the region.
Senior rural manager Brad Crane is a born-and-bred locally on a farm in Jerdacuttup, and Tom Campbell’s grandparents farmed in Esperance, whilst he grew up on a farm in Geraldton.
“Our team is very much ingrained in the local community – out here we know that what you put in, you get out – we can’t expect to have vibrant communities without contribution.”
“From local sporting groups, schools and organisations such as Rotary, we all personally dedicate time to help our region and community thrive.”
Committed to local farmers
Rabobank’s almost 20-year sponsorship of grower-led group SEPWA is a source of pride, helping arm local growers with technical research and trial work.
“As a bank by farmers, for farmers coupled with our cooperative values, a meaningful contribution to agriculture and the community underpins all our decision-making,” he said.
“We specialise in agriculture, so offer an expert service to our clients with a deep understanding of the agricultural cycles and a long-term commitment.”
Regular knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities also benefit farmers, he said, and agri analysts and market representatives consistently visit the region – with RaboResearch General Manager, Stefan Vogel, presenting to local farmers just last month.