Our Story & Our Team
Our Team
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We are committed to sustainable management practices and takes responsibility for the continuous improvement of our farms for future generations. Together we will maintain a culture founded on our mutual commitment to excellence in agricultural practice, innovation, growth and continuous improvement.
Our experienced team brings passion and progressive thinking to the land, applying best practice and innovation at every step.
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Jan Evans, Managing Director
Tom Gooden, Chief Executive Officer
Our executive are supported by a team of professionals who assist with day to day operations and strategic direction and planning.
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Jordan Cozzella, Glenaroua
Daniel Rowson, Bucki
Paddy Mulquiny, Little Billabong
Ben McCarthy, Lockerbie
Our Farm Managers each manage a team of permanent staff and contractor professionals.
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Our farm teams are also supported by their dedicated working dogs and horses.
Together, our farm and animal team members work hard and learn new skills so they can both reach their full potential.
Team Conferences
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Annual Conference - March
Each March, our team comes together for the Burgess Rural Annual Conference — a much-anticipated few days of learning, collaboration, and connection at our Victorian property, Glenaroua Homestead.
The conference combines farm tours, workshops, and team-building activities, giving everyone the chance to learn, share ideas, and strengthen our collective skills. We’re joined each year by our trusted partner consultants, whose experience and insights add real value to the conversations and activities.
It’s also a great opportunity for our on-farm and office-based teams to come together — swapping stories, sharing knowledge, and enjoying the chance to connect outside of the day-to-day.
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Annual Conference - October
Each October, our NSW properties — Bucki, Lockerbie, and Little Billabong — welcome the Burgess Rural Conference. The event combines professional development, learning, and plenty of opportunities for networking, with a healthy dose of friendly competition.
This year, the team will go head-to-head in hotly contested events such as the Ern Burgess Memorial Golf Trophy, the Farm vs Farm Challenge, and the Best Agricultural Invention Shield. It’s fiercely competitive, but just as much fun for everyone involved.
Our trusted partners also join us, offering guidance and expertise to ensure our agricultural practices continue to reflect industry best standards. The conference is a great chance for our teams to connect, learn from each other, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes Burgess Rural unique.
Conference - March, 2025
The Glenaroua Team hosted the March 2025 conference. Spread over two days, the first day saw Burgess Rural visit a Yea family-owned, farming enterprise. Glenfiddich, was very welcoming to our big group and it was mutual beneficial to be together and ask questions and discuss strategy and innovation.
The remainder of the day was held at Trawool Estate and gave the team the opportunity to hear from invited guests and discuss our progress over the last 12 months and our strategy and investment plans moving forward. Our Farm Managers presented their Environmental Impact Project for the next 12 months.
Day Two was held on farm at Glenaroua, Victoria.
The Glenaroua Team led a comprehensive tour of their farm providing opportunities to collectively discuss farming practice and innovation. The Glenaroua Shearing Shed hosted the remainder of the day, including, presentation on our Elite Merino program and the Farm Game Challenge - ultimately the home team had the advantage with Glenaroua taking home the trophy.
Follow our journey.
Information on previous conferences can be found, here.
Interested in joining us?
We strive for an atmosphere that promotes positive communication, supports continuous learning, development and personal growth of our team.