Meet the Team

Catriona is the Extension & Engagement Team Leader. Originally from Victoria, she completed a Bachelor of Science from Monash University and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, and has over a decade of experience in supporting ABRI's clients, breeders and the wider beef industry through targeted extension programs.

Catriona and her team are responsible for delivering a range of innovative extension initiatives and technical resources to improve the use and understanding of ABRI's genetic products and services, including the BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation. Catriona is passionate about working with beef producers to help them drive genetic improvement in their businesses.

Catriona is based in Armidale, NSW. 

Alastair brings over two decades of experience across livestock consultancy, genetics extension, and industry leadership. As Principal of RaynerAg, he has worked closely with producers to improve livestock productivity through practical, data-driven strategies in pasture management, breeding, and animal health.

Alastair’s background includes 17 years with NSW DPI, where he led major extension programs and contributed to national R&D through the CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies. He has played a key role in developing and delivering industry training such as Bred Well Fed Well and Winning With Weaners and continues to support producers through tailored workshops and individual advice. More recently, Alastair served as Head of Commercial Services and Farm Adoption at Cibo Labs, supporting the adoption of satellite pasture monitoring tools including the Australian Feedbase Monitor and PastureKey.

A regular contributor to Beef Central as the Genetics Editor and a familiar face at field days, conferences, and judging rings across the country, Alastair remains committed to practical, science-backed approaches that deliver measurable outcomes for livestock enterprises.

Alastair is based near Wollongong in the Illawarra region in NSW. 

Fiona has worked for over 18 years in agricultural industries with 8 years working in ruminant extension and engagement roles. After completing her PhD in Sheep Maternal Production & Parasitology from the University of New England, Fiona's career to date has had a strong animal health and production focus. She continues to be involved in several industry funded projects focusing on the improved health and welfare of livestock and optimising on farm production.

Fiona has lived in the New England region for over 25 years and values being involved in her husband's family owned and operated agricultural enterprise focusing on the production of fine wool Merinos and beef cattle.

Fiona is based in Armidale, NSW.

Brought up on a sheep and beef farm in Cattle Valley (Canterbury, New Zealand), Boyd has been involved in livestock breeding all his life. This includes working on seedstock farms in New Zealand and in the United States and going on to conduct research in Australia and New Zealand. Since completing his PhD in Animal Breeding from the University of New England in 2011, Boyd has worked in the beef, dairy and deer industries.

Boyd is passionate about the on farm application of genetics and genetic technologies and is currently employed in a split role between the BREEDPLAN team and ABRI Extension Services. This split role allows Boyd to maintain a healthy balance between the science and working with farmers. In addition to his extension role, Boyd conducts BREEDPLAN analyses, developing selection indexes using the BreedObject software and producing mating list via MateSel.

Boyd is based in Armidale, NSW.