Your Field - our Forward Thinking
FieldForward Agronomy delivers independent, field-based consulting that empowers growers with precision agronomic strategies, tailored nutrient and irrigation planning, and integrated crop protection programs.
In addition to on-farm agronomy, we specialise in research agronomy, conducting field trials and innovative studies to evaluate new practices, products, and technologies under real-world conditions.
Our expertise in variable rate management helps growers optimise inputs such as seed, fertiliser, and water through data-driven mapping and site-specific strategies.
We translate in-field observations and trial results into actionable insights that improve yield, sustainability, and export readiness. Unlike services tied to product sales, FieldForward provides truly independent advice, free from retail influence or brand bias—ensuring our recommendations are always in the best interest of your farm.
Rooted in science and guided by experience, we help your fields move forward—season by season, trial by trial.
About
Based in Central Queensland, FieldForward Agronomy specialises in bringing practical, science-backed, and forward-thinking agronomic advice to growers and agribusinesses. Founded by Andre Austin, a chartered agriculturalist with Ag Institute Australia, and an MBA candidate, our consultancy offers more than two decades of proven insight in both orchard management and broadacre cropping systems across three continents.
With a unique blend of executive leadership, technical agronomy, and commercial farming expertise, FieldForward is designed to help agricultural operations enhance productivity, sustainability, and return on investment. Our goal is simple: to help clients make confident decisions—rooted in the field, informed by data, and aligned with the future.
Andre is a globally experienced agronomist and agricultural strategist with over 25 years of leadership in crop production, farm management, and agribusiness development. His career spans the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, including Australia, Canada, and Southern Africa, providing him with hands-on expertise in diverse climates, soil types, production systems, and market channels.
From high-value citrus orchards to extensive grain farms, Andre has designed and implemented agronomic strategies that have supported the success of large export-oriented operations, high-acreage broadacre enterprises, and innovative farm startups alike. He has overseen thousands of hectares of cultivated land, directed multimillion-dollar budgets, built and led multidisciplinary teams, and introduced cutting-edge technologies to enhance yield and efficiency.
Our Services
Research Agronomy
Our research agronomy services focus on designing, managing, and analysing on-farm field trials to evaluate new practices, products, and technologies under the exact conditions growers face every season.
From trial layout and pegging to data collection and statistical analysis, we manage the full process to ensure results are scientifically sound and commercially relevant. Whether testing new crop protection strategies, nutrient programs, variable rate prescriptions, or emerging innovations like biochar or biological amendments, our goal is to deliver unbiased insights you can trust.
Through research agronomy, we bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and practical farming outcomes—helping you stay ahead of challenges, improve efficiency, and build a more sustainable, profitable future.
Precision Agronomy
At FieldForward Agronomy, our Precision Agronomy service combines geospatial technology with hands-on field experience to deliver highly targeted crop management solutions. Leveraging tools like SWAT maps, NDVI imagery, and grid soil sampling, we help growers understand and act on in-field variability. Precision agronomy isn’t just about variable rate nitrogen—it can also involve zone-based seeding rates, targeted applications of fungicides and plant growth regulators, and smarter irrigation management. With years of experience, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to variable rate technology; every farm, field, and crop requires a tailored strategy. By aligning inputs with yield potential, we support growers in making more profitable, sustainable decisions that push each field forward.
Soil and Tissue Testing
We offer professional geo-referenced sampling, interpretation, and recommendation services to help you understand what your soil and crops are telling you—so you can make informed, cost-effective input decisions. Our soil testing programs assess key parameters such as macro nutrients, micro nutrients, base saturation, pH, salinity, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity. These insights are essential for building targeted fertility programs, improving nutrient use efficiency, and addressing yield-limiting constraints at the root level. Complementing this, our tissue testing services provide real-time insights into plant nutrient status throughout the growing season. By sampling at critical growth stages, we detect deficiencies or imbalances before symptoms appear, allowing for timely corrective actions and better crop performance. Whether you're managing a broadacre rotation or a high-value orchard crop, our testing service supports proactive nutrition planning, enhanced crop health, and long-term soil stewardship.
Field Care
Our in-season crop monitoring service is designed to provide consistent, expert oversight through bi-monthly field visits. With every visit we assess key agronomic factors including seeding depth, emergence uniformity, and plant stand establishment, ensuring crops get off to the right start. We monitor weed pressure and evaluate herbicide efficacy, adjusting strategies to manage resistance or ineffective control. Our scouting also covers insect pests and diseases, identifying early signs of pressure and advising on economically sound interventions. We review plant health indicators, including nutrient deficiency symptoms, canopy development, and overall vigour, tailoring recommendations to support optimal crop performance. As the season progresses, we provide guidance on harvest timing, helping you plan for peak maturity and quality. Field Care is ideal for broadacre producers seeking data-informed and timely decisions without guesswork.
Orchard Care
We offer targeted, bi-monthly in-field visits designed to support the performance and profitability of your orchard throughout the growing season. Each visit includes a comprehensive assessment of plant health, identifying signs of nutrient imbalances, stress, and overall tree vigour. We monitor soil moisture dynamics using field-based observations and assist with irrigation scheduling, ensuring water is applied efficiently and according to phenological stages. Our program also supports pruning and canopy management—advising on timing, technique, and long-term structural goals to balance fruit load and vegetative growth. We work closely with your team to guide crop manipulation practices such as thinning and girdling, helping to improve fruit size, colour, and uniformity. Fertility management is tailored to block-specific needs, using visual assessments and performance history to fine-tune nutrition strategies. Orchard Care provides the agronomic clarity to support fruit quality, yield consistency, and long-term tree health.
Crop Planning and Management
As part of the Field Care or Orchard Care Subscriptions, Crop Planning & Management is designed to support strategic, season-long decision-making that drives both productivity and profitability. We work with growers to develop customised plans that consider crop selection, planting schedules, and rotation strategies tailored to your land, goals, and market demands. Our approach balances agronomic performance with economic return, helping you make informed choices that align with soil health, input efficiency, and long-term sustainability. For orchards, we advise on rootstock and variety selection based on local conditions, market opportunities, and desired crop traits—whether it’s yield potential, disease resistance, or harvest timing. For field crops, we evaluate factors such as gross margins, input costs, and seasonal risk to guide decisions that improve your bottom line. We also assist with cropping system design, integrating cover crops, fallow periods, or dual-purpose options where beneficial. Whether you’re developing a new block, transitioning land use, or refining your existing plan, our service ensures each field or block is planted with purpose.