Polkinghorne named new SAGIT trustee

Mr Polkinghorne runs a 7000 hectare family cropping enterprise and is a former rural counsellor, farm consultant and is a councillor representing the District Council of Elliston.

Mr Polkinghorne will start his term as a trustee this month.

"My interest in SAGIT comes from the impact research and development has played in the success and growth of our farming business," he said.

"I have long seen research and development as something which helps farms prosper.

"The improvements in productivity and management are very often a direct result of research into specific on-farm issues, with the research developing the understanding to address those issues."

SAGIT chair Max Young welcomed Mr Polkinghorne's appointment.

"His extensive experience in the grains industry will be an asset to SAGIT," he said.

"I'm looking forward to working with Andrew and getting his insights into progressing grains research and development in SA."

Grain Producers SA chair Adrian McCabe said it was important grain producers continued to put their hand up to be part of SAGIT.

"The work that SAGIT undertakes is assisting to further grow resilience and innovation in the grain sector in SA, so it is important the Trust has experienced grain producers providing advice," he said.

"Not only does Andrew have lived experience on his family farm but he also brings a wealth of advice around governance being a current councillor and compassion through his work as a rural counsellor.

Mr Polkinghorne is also a director of grain handler T-Ports, and a director of farmer organisation Agricultural Innovation Research Eyre Peninsula.