Agribusiness expert’s legacy and optimism for GrainCorp’s future

(Posted on 18/03/24)

Farmer, Company Director and long-standing member of the GrainCorp Board of Directors, Dan Mangelsdorf, has announced he’s moving onto new endeavours after two decades of dedicated service.

Having joined the Board in February 2005, Dan brought a wealth of experience as a grower and passionate advocate for agriculture from West Wyalong, in Central West NSW.

GrainCorp is a leading Australian agribusiness and processing company that has partnered with growers and producers for more than 100 years, to connect them with domestic and international customers.

In addition to his role at GrainCorp, Dan is currently a Non-Executive Director for Warakirri Asset Management and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

His deep understanding of the cyclical nature of agricultural businesses has proved invaluable among his peers on the Board and provided a crucial perspective within corporate decision-making circles.

“The land has always been a big part of my life and has instilled in me a lifelong passion for agriculture and regional Australia.”

“I’ve got a real appreciation for the challenges that people involved in farming face on a day-to-day basis, including the uncertainties of the weather and dealing with whatever Mother Nature likes to throw at us.”

Growing up as the eldest of five siblings on a mixed farming enterprise, Dan’s upbringing instilled a connection to both the land and family.

“From operating machinery, fixing fences, to stock work, there was always a job to be done on a farm. In that regard, I believe it teaches you a great work ethic,” he says.

“I’m blessed to have four beautiful kids and feel very fortunate to have raised them on our farm, so that they too can leverage that connection and learn these sorts of rural life skills as they make their way in the world.”

His passion for farming life led him to pursue a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics (Hons) from the University of New England – and he’s embraced the challenges and rewards of the agriculture industry ever since.

“Agriculture is a great industry to be in, irrespective of what part of the supply chain you work in.

Personally, I get a lot of satisfaction in being connected to an industry that’s so evidently tangible in its nature and has a holistic purpose – it’s very rewarding.”

Throughout his tenure as a non-executive Director, Dan participated in GrainCorp’s evolution from a bulk handling business to a major player in the global agribusiness sector.

“When I first joined, the company was still finding its identity after consolidating and being listed as a public company, and many of the export grain markets were still regulated,” he recalls.

“However, the deregulation of these markets was on the horizon, and this would be a significant structural change for both the industry and the company, enabling GrainCorp to pivot and connect with growers in a more meaningful way.”

Dan notes that during his time with GrainCorp, there was always a focus on diversifying the business.

“One of the biggest changes included the acquisition of United Malt Holdings. While GrainCorp has since demerged this business unit, it was a transformational acquisition that drove a lot of momentum and, importantly, internationalised the business.