Celebrating 25 years of AMPS

September 05, 2024

"We started this company to try something new,” a shareholder once remarked to AMPS's CEO, Nigel Herring. As he addressed a room of 150 people, both AMPS staff and shareholders, Nigel went back to the beginning.

25 years ago, a group of ambitious, driven growers set up AMPS to ensure investment in local, independent research remained.

25 years on, sitting in the Goonoo Goonoo Woolstore, celebrating how the business has grown, those original shareholders and progressive thinkers have a lot to be proud of. From humble beginnings to now spanning the North West with 6 branches, over 600 regular customers, and 20,000 Research trial plots, AMPS has certainly made its mark on the region.

Over the past two and a half decades, AMPS has made significant strides in expanding its reach and contributing to the advancement of agricultural research. AMPS's independent research program, funded by the commercial business' merchandise earnings, remains dedicated to helping growers cultivate profitable and sustainable farming systems. Through relevant and relatable scientific trials, AMPS Research has become an invaluable resource for the agricultural community.

Outgoing Chairperson Damian Frawley highlighted the substantial impact AMPS Research has had on the profitability of its customers' businesses. Kate Gunn, the newly appointed Chairperson of AMPS, emphasised the importance of expanding the company's reach and influence in the agricultural sector.

As one of the people involved at the beginning with AMPS, Gordon Brownhill is proud of the last 25 years and even more excited about the company's future. Gordie sees the generation coming through the business and on the land, taking on the baton full of new ideas and energy, and can't wait to see where it goes. He says of this changing of the guard, "One generation that has started this, one generation that has enhanced it and going with it. We've got the right model and thought process going forward."

In Gordie's career, AMPS Research has added millions to their businesses' bottom line. Being involved with Lancer wheat ahead of the curve, building new markets for biscuit wheat and moving planting windows forward by over a month are just some examples of trials that have helped their business.

AMPS’ success over the last 25 years has come from collaborations across the industry, different growers, different government bodies and different suppliers.

Olympic Gold Medalist Steven Bradbury OAM, guest speaker for the evening, entertained the audience with his stories of resilience, hard work, and perseverance. His message resonated deeply with the AMPS community, reinforcing the values that have driven the company's success over the past quarter-century.

While the nostalgia in the room was thick, and with many old friends catching up for the first time in years, it was hard to get people on the bus at the end of the evening; one shareholder remarked, "It makes me inspired." Inspired by the growth of the business and the potential for the future.

We’re excited about the future of agriculture, the future of our customers, our research and our business. That’s why, we’re growing here.