Laurence Carslake joined Farmanco in July 2007. Laurence is based in Narrogin with Dave McCarthy. He has a client base of Farm Management and Agronomy clients in the great southern from Kojonup to Brookton. Laurence has been based out of Narrogin for the past eight years working as a corporate and private agronomist. Coming from a broad-acre farming and earthmoving background in the northern Wheatbelt, Laurence has extensive experience and hands on knowledge of agricultural production systems.
Qualifications and Professional Affiliations
- Bachelor of Business - (Agriculture) 1987, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia (Muresk Institute of Agriculture Campus)
- AAAC - Provisional Member of the Australian Association of Agricultural Consultants.
- Nulogic - Soil analysis recommendation program.
Skills, Expertise and Interests
Consulting (Farm Management - Financial)
- Compile annual reviews analysing a business's financial and physical performance using profit analysis and reporting enterprise margins, profit, equity, liquidity, ratios / indicators and long term viability.
- Benchmark business performance.
- Prepare cash flow budgets.
- Analyse enterprise and rotational margins.
- Develop finance plans for seasonal funding, debt reconstruction, property purchase, machinery purchase, business restructuring.
- Analyse property leasing and share farming proposals. Develop contract content for short term and long term agreements.
- Working knowledge of the income tax system and its implications for the farming business.
- Good knowledge of off farm financial investment products.
Consulting (Farm Management - Technical)
- All aspects of crop agronomy and pasture agronomy as it relates to Western Australia.
- A working knowledge of crop protection including pesticide selection, spray adjuvants, pesticide application, and management of herbicide resistance.
- Nutrition strategies for crops and pastures and interpretation of soil test results using Nulogic soil analysis software.
- Working knowledge of Sheep and Wool production systems.
- Working knowledge of Farm Machinery, preventative maintenance and its implications to overall Farm productivity.
Consulting (Farm Management - Strategic Planning)
- Develop farm business plans that reflect the focus and ambitions of the client and their family.
- Assist clients with estate and succession planning (with reference to specialists).
- Construct enterprise rotation plans after analysing the contribution of different enterprises to whole farm profitability and sustainability and considering integrated management of herbicide resistance.
Computers & Software
- Conversant with the operation of personal computers and associated hardware.
- Knowledge of various software including spreadsheets, word processors, specific agricultural applications and internet software.
- Help clients with cashbook coding, data entry and budgeting.
- Able to access and utilise various FARMANCO developed decision aids.
General
- Extensive practical experience in the selection and operation of most farm and earthmoving machinery. Also skilled in the area of machinery maintenance and modification.
- Good ability to communicate effectively, both in verbal and written format.
Interests
Family, long course Triathlon, multisport endurance events, water skiing, climate and a keen observer of AFL.
