Brad Foster

Team leader, agronomy

Brad grew up on his family farm near Wudinna before completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Viticulture) at Adelaide University. After a short stint managing a vineyard in the Barossa, Brad moved to Padthaway in the state’s South East where he broadened his experience to include irrigated crops, intensive pasture, small seeds production, and broadacre cropping.
In 2005, Brad returned to the Eyre Peninsula bringing this knowledge and experience to his agronomy role at Bawdens. Then in 2012, Brad took over the management of the store and continues to lead this capable team.
Brad enjoys running a small hobby farm in the Tumby hills which gives him an insight into the challenges faced by local farmers.

Luke Wilkins

Agronomy

Luke was born and raised on the Lower Eyre Peninsula, and has always had a strong connection to the land with the Wilkins family farming in the Ungarra district for generations.
Luke’s relationship with Bawdens started with work experience during his senior school years – an arrangement which whet his appetite for agronomy.

After completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Adelaide University Luke joined Bawdens as a full-time agronomist in 2015.
His passion is to see his clients take their business to the next level.

With professionalism, a ready smile and approachable manner, he is an integral part of our agronomy team and company.

Max Baldissera

Agronomy

Max is locally born and bred, growing up on a farm near Ungarra where his family name is synonymous with agricultural success.

In 2012, after finishing school, Max spend 12 months gaining practical farming experience at home before moving to Wagga Wagga where he completed an Bachelor of Agriculture at Charles Sturt University.

In 2017, Max began his career as an agronomist working for Lipps Bulk Super and then Landmark in Kerang, Victoria, where he was involved in a range of crops including horticultural and intensive pasture production. Before moving to Bawdens at the end of 2022, Max was managing a store in Kerang for Swan Hill Chemicals.

With strong technical knowledge, unique experience and thoughtful approach, Max will be a valuable addition to your farm enterprise.

Mark Lawson

Crop protection, animal health, fencing

Mark’s career in agricultural retail began with after-school jobs at the Bennetts franchise owned and operated by his family in Pinnaroo.
Over time, Mark became sales manager and a company director before moving to the Eyre Peninsula to manage the Landmark store at Tumby Bay.
Having either worked in, owned, or managed rural stores for his whole career, Mark brought a wealth of knowledge and experience when he joined our team at the beginning of 2019.
Working closely with our supply partners, Mark ensures we have a complete range of animal health, fencing and general merchandise solutions for your business.

Alex Stratford

Fertiliser, seed, administration

Born and raised in Tumby Bay, Alex is a well-known local who has a positive impact wherever she commits herself.
After completing school, Alex undertook a traineeship at the local council office where she developed skills in the areas of administration, customer service and finance. This experience, along with seasonal work at Viterra, has given Alex a unique understanding of our community and the local agriculture industry.
Since joining Bawdens at the end of 2022, Alex has become a versatile team member, equally capable of loading your ute as she is crunching numbers in the back office.
Her bubbly personality and desire to help ensures you will have an enjoyable experience whenever you are in the store or on the phone to Bawdens.

Wayne Birkin

Merchandise, logistics

Wayne was raised in the Port Neill district and has spent most of his career in the logistics game.
Before moving to Bawdens, he developed over 30 years of experience working alongside his father and brothers in their successful family business - Birkin Transport.
With his knowledge of the industry and attention to detail, Wayne is the ideal person to co-ordinate our timely delivery service.
Whether its on your property or in our store, Wayne's helpful nature will always shine through as he seeks to provide the best solution for your needs.

Mathew Waters

Seed grader

Mat spent the early part of his life in Moonta on the Yorke Peninsula before moving to Port Lincoln. After completing school, he began a career as an apprentice butcher and spent a number of years in the food processing industry.
In 2003, Mat switched roles, becoming a seed grader operator for the local Hannaford's franchise. This is where he gained more than five years experience operating various machines all over the Eyre Peninsula, before joining Bawdens at the end of 2018.
With his unique experience, friendly nature and willingness to do whatever it takes, Mat is the best person to deliver our seed grading service to you.

Gabby Higgins

Finance, administration

Gabby is Tumby Bay born and bred. During the early part of her career she spent time working at the local hospital and council before joining Bawdens in 1996.
With over 20 years experience in her current role as our finance officer, Gabby is a crucial member of our business.
You may not get to see her as often as our other team members but her contribution is just as important.
Gabby's attention to detail is second to none and ensures we maintain strong working relationships with our various suppliers.
Her work keeps Bawdens at the forefront when it comes to providing our clients with the latest products as well as the best service possible.

Our team: Meet the Team