Meet The Team

The Mecardo team includes market analysts, business development and consultancy professionals who have extensive experience in various sectors of the agriculture industry.

Complementing this team are leading external market experts, who contribute regular analysis and commentary for Mecardo. 

Internal Team

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Robert Herrmann

Managing Director

Robert Herrmann is the Managing Director of Mecardo, as a specialist in agricultural advisory with its focus firmly on the financial enhancement of primary production and price risk management.

The company was established by Robert Herrmann in Adelaide in 1996 under the Ag Concepts Advisory brand. With a longstanding background in agriculture, Robert’s commitment was to deliver a high quality proactive risk analysis and management service to clients.

Robert has in excess of thirty years’ experience in agriculture, including eleven years as a senior wool specialist with Elders Ltd advising in the marketing and risk management of agricultural commodities.

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Olivia Agar

Manager Business Development

Olivia Agar manages the delivery and distribution of research and analysis to Mecardo's subscription base and private clients.

Olivia has worked in diverse roles within the Agriculture industry with experience in rural merchandise distribution, procurement and horticultural agronomy.

Olivia joined the Mecardo team in 2017, further developing her skillset in market analysis across major agricultural commodities, consultancy and project management.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree (Hons) from the University of Sydney, specialising in Agronomy.

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Ethan Woolley

Data & Insights Coordinator

Ethan Woolley joined the Mecardo team as Data and Insights coordinator in 2023 and manages the collection, validation, and distribution of data for Mecardo.

Ethan has been involved with Agricultural data through a number of different roles, including time spent as a research analyst, finance broker, and data product developer. 

Ethan’s focus throughout has been on delivering data-driven outcomes for agribusiness and growers and communicating these insights effectively.

Ethan studied Agricultural Economics at the University of Sydney.

ANALYSTS

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Andrew Woods

Principal, Independent Commodity Services

Andrew has a background in farming. He was raised in the Riverina on Mulberrygong, a property near Hay. After securing a degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Sydney, he spent eight years farming in both northern and southern NSW.

A move to wool broking in 1991 saw an interest in market analysis burgeon. Following a stint in Adelaide with Elders in the mid-1990s, he and his family moved to Wagga Wagga in 1997 to start Independent Commodity Services (ICS), with the help of Holmes Sackett and Associates. 

ICS services a wide section of the wool industry ranging from growers through brokers to traders and exporters. Andrew is the market analyst at ICS.

Nick Booth

Director, Next Level Grain & Market Commentator

Nick has worked on Eyre Peninsula for 20+ years mainly in grain marketing with AWB, but also in the field of agronomy.  This gives him great insight into farming systems and risks associated with farming.

 

Nick set up Next Level Grain Marketing to provide an independent advisory service to assist farmers make sense of what was driving one of the key aspects of grain farming – selling grain.

Nick offer insight across all main grain commodities.

A portrait photo of Mecardo external team member Angus, in front of a white background wearing a blue and white checked shirt

Angus Brown

Market Analyst

Angus Brown began work as a livestock market analyst for Mecardo when it began as Ag Concepts Advisory Pty Ltd (ACA) in 2003 after completing an Agricultural Science/Commerce degree at the University of Melbourne. From early in his career at ACA, Angus has had extensive experience in developing risk management strategies for cattle producers and lot feeders.

Through this work, he has developed a deep understanding of the drivers of the Australian cattle market, which he has successfully transferred to sheep and lamb markets. 

Angus also provides advice to grain growers and consumers on the use of derivatives in hedging strategies.  Angus recently moved back to Hamilton to take a closer interest in the family farm, where he implements his knowledge of markets on a daily basis.

Angus uses his strong analytical and communication skills to provide weekly commentary and analytical articles for Mecardo.

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Jamie-Lee Oldfield

Market Analyst

Jamie-Lee Oldfield is a seasoned agri-media and communications professional who lives and works on a family-owned stud and commercial beef and sheep operation in Coolac, NSW.

She previously worked for agriculture publications such as The Land and The Weekly Times as a Livestock Editor, where she honed her skills reporting on and analysis of livestock markets. She continues to work in agriculture and communications as well as on the farm. 

Jamie-Lee is also the Executive Officer of the non-for-profit organisation – Future Farmers Network, which focuses on youth in agriculture.

Join the conversation

Or just stay in the loop as we share the latest in wool, livestock and grain markets across out social media platforms.

Consultancy

Risk and Strategic advisory

Mecardo offers price risk management advice on the major agricultural commodities using a wide range of tools.  


Projects

Research and consultancy for industry and business development

Mecardo has a unique footprint across the whole supply chain, giving a competitive edge to provide valuable insights.

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Listen to the podcast

Join the Mecardo team for the Commodity Conversations podcast, where we provide short weekly market recaps and longer conversations with guests to discuss the drivers and trends in livestock, grain and fibre markets.

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Research: Analysis of the Australian sheep flock

In this report for LiveCorp and MLA, we analysed the historical trends in the demographics of the Australian sheep flock, examining domestic factors that influence farm-level enterprise decision making. 

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SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES STATEMENT BROCHURE

We don’t just bring you the most up to date market insights. Find out more about Mecardo’s services including risk management advisory, modelling, benchmarking, research & consultancy.