ABRI Extension Services Team Expands to Further Support Livestock Producers
The Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) is delighted to announce the expansion of the ABRI Extension Services team, with the recent appointments of Dr Fiona Macarthur and Alastair Rayner. These appointments further strengthen the organisation’s commitment to practical, science-based support of ABRI’s clients, producers and the wider industry.
Dr Fiona Macarthur and Alastair Rayner join the ABRI Extension Services team.
Dr Fiona Macarthur brings over 18 years of experience in agricultural industries, including the past eight years in ruminant extension and producer engagement. With a strong background in parasitology, Fiona’s work has consistently focused on improving animal health and production outcomes. She is actively involved in several industry-funded projects that aim to enhance the welfare of livestock while optimising farm productivity.
Based in the New England region for over 25 years, Fiona is also deeply embedded in the practical realities of livestock production through her involvement in her husband’s family owned Merino and beef cattle enterprise. Her blend of scientific knowledge and hands-on experience makes her a valuable asset to producers navigating animal health, welfare, and performance challenges.
Alastair Rayner joins the team with more than two decades of experience spanning livestock consultancy, genetics extension, and industry leadership. As Principal of RaynerAg, he has built a reputation for providing practical, data-driven advice to improve productivity in pasture management, breeding, and herd health.
Alastair’s previous roles include 17 years with NSW DPI, where he delivered major extension programs and contributed to national research through the CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies. He has played a leading role in industry education, helping to develop and deliver programs such as Bred Well Fed Well and Winning With Weaners. More recently, he was Head of Commercial Services and Farm Adoption at Cibo Labs, where he championed the use of satellite-based pasture tools including the Australian Feedbase Monitor and PastureKey.
A regular contributor to Beef Central and a familiar presence at field days, conferences, and cattle shows around the country, Alastair is known for his ability to translate science into action on-farm.
Alongside the wider ABRI Extension Services team, Fiona and Alastair will be working across the livestock industries to support producers in maximising the value of ABRI’s commercial products and services. This includes helping users better understand and apply BREEDPLAN data, while also engaging with the broader suite of ABRI tools designed to improve herd performance, sustainability, and profitability in the livestock sectors.
Their appointments signal ABRI’s continued focus on ensuring that producers have access to knowledgeable, approachable, and outcomes-focused extension support.
ABOUT ABRI
ABRI is at the forefront of livestock breeding technology, delivering leading-edge, data-driven solutions that enhance the productivity, sustainability and profitability of the global agricultural industry. With over 50 years’ experience, ABRI is a leading provider of innovative AgTech products, software services and technology solutions, including the BREEDPLAN Genetic Evaluation, and our breed registry suite. Our objectives include improving the rate of genetic gain to assist producers in meeting value chain demands in current and future markets.