OUR TEAM

Michael Castor

MANAGING DIRECTOR

BScAgr, GradCertRurSc(CP)

(07) 4671 2045

Michael began MCA in 1988 as a one man operation, and has grown the company into the market leader it has become, providing quality farm management advice to clients throughout southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.

He has accomplished this through a business model of sustained and gradual growth, driven by his desire for excellence and constant improvement using science based innovation.

His extensive experience with irrigated and dryland broadacre cropping systems coupled with an understanding of agricultural business management have informed his strategic positioning of MCA to be a provider of quality advice and a partner with the agricultural industry.

Michael grew up in the Blue Mountains and gained his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Sydney, and a Certificate in Rural Science (Cotton Production) from UNE. He enjoys running his own farming enterprise, and spending time with his wife Jemma and their two children.

Paul Castor

DIRECTOR

BScAgr, Churchill Fellow

07 4638 7471 Toowoomba

0427 712 003

Paul is based in our Toowoomba office, and plays a leading role in research and development at MCA. He collates and evaluates the most recent research, scientific data and trial results which he presents at regular MCA Agronomy Meetings for discussion with our team.

Paul completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Sydney University, and in 1996 was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study cotton farming in the USA. Before joining MCA in 1997 he gained experience with the NSW Dept of Agriculture at their head office in Sydney, as well as at various locations in NSW.

Farming systems, and their design and implementation are of particular interest to Paul, along with technological advances in agriculture.

Paul Gardoll

DIRECTOR

BAppSc(Agr)

0428 712 002

After graduating with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from CSU Wagga in 1990, Paul gained experience as an agronomist before joining MCA in 1998.

His considerable expertise in dryland and irrigated grains and pulse crops, forage, and pastures assists his clients to maximise their economic profitability.

Paul has a keen interest in old machinery, motocross and music and he enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa and three teenage children.

Stuart Thorn

DIRECTOR

BAppSc(Hons)

0428 712 006

After graduating with honours in a Bachelor of Applied Science - Rural Technology, Stuart gained experience as an agronomist, and also on the family farm before joining the MCA team in 2000.

Stuart applies his considerable expertise in dryland and irrigated cropping systems to progress clients’ farm businesses, working with each client to find the most profitable and sustainable farming solutions.

He is current chair of the Goondiwindi branch of the Northern Grower Alliance Local Research Group, and has been a Research Advisory Committee member of Western Downs/Maranoa and NE NSW.

New Title

Tim Richards

DIRECTOR

BRurSc, GradCertRurSc(CP)

0428 712 005

Tim has extensive experience in the management of large scale irrigation and dryland operations, including management of staff, financials, budgeting and equipment. The whole farm management approach that MCA provides inspired Tim to join the company in 2010.

His expertise growing irrigated and dryland cotton has been recognised with multiple awards for his growers at both Darling Downs and McIntyre Valley Cotton Growers Awards, plus Tim was named Darling Downs Agronomist of the Year in 2014, 2016 and 2019.

Tim is President of Hell of the West Triathlon and also the Goondiwindi Swim Club, as well as maintaining his involvement in various other community committees.

Frank Valentine

DIRECTOR

BAppSc

0428 782 010

Frank completed a Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Queensland in 2001, then with experience in general and cotton agronomy joined the MCA Cotton Team in 2006.

His in-depth knowledge, extensive experience and expertise are particularly valuable to our clients, assisting them to produce the most profitable cotton crops possible, with a particular focus on maximising yield potential.

Frank is a committee member of the McIntyre Valley Cotton Growers Association, and a keen recreational fisherman.

Ed Offner

DIRECTOR

BAppSc(Agr)

07 4665 8287 Condamine

0409 712 011

Ed’s experience in broadacre and cotton agronomy led him to become part of the MCA team in 2013, based in our Chinchilla office. He is particularly interested in irrigated grains and pulses as well as broadacre cropping, and has enjoyed further study in these areas.

Raised on a mixed farm at Westmar, he always had a passion and commitment to agriculture, which he followed after gaining a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agronomy) at the University of Queensland in 2004.
Ed and his wife Kate and three young children enjoy rural life, running cattle on their small property at Chinchilla.

Ed has been involved in the Condamine rugby club for ten years, both as a keen player and former committee member.