Neil Warden

Neil Warden has been Chairman of the Walgett Special One Co-Operative for four years and is a foundation member.

Neil operates a large scale dry land cropping business as well as mining, retail and contracting interests. Before farming Neil worked for The Australian Mercantile Land and Finance Co where he gained experience in business administration, communication, account management, real estate and retail while studying stock and station agency. For the Co-Op to be seen in a professional manner and to further understand its corporate responsibilities, Neil undertook Company Director Training in 2006 (TAFE NSW). When people ask Neil about the role of WSOC he believes the real question is what would have been the outcomes for the local grain growing community without the formation of the Co-Op 21 years ago. Over these years he has seen the Co-Op implement risk sharing processes that have provided significant financial benefits to local growers through taking advantage of markets pricing and logistics opportunities which as individuals might not have happened.

Neil believes a Co-Operative structure offers the best long term benefits to growers while providing a professional grain marketing service and this in turn offers a whole of community benefit. For Neil the Co-Operative offers the opportunity to share and gain information, discuss and implement new ideas and work collectively to maximise returns to growers while maintaining an honest, efficient and reliable business model highly regarded throughout the grain industry and of great value to its participants. Neil is also a Director of Country Fresh Supermarkets and Special One Grain. His special interest away from work is being a rugby referee.