Your Field our Forward Thinking
FieldForward Agronomy combines rigorous science with practical farming. We deliver independent research and precision strategies that bridge the gap between academic R&D and commercial reality.
Beyond standard agronomy, we specialise in Research Agronomy and Genetic Phenotyping. We partner with Ag-Biotech firms and research bodies to conduct regulatory field trials that validate new genetics, crop protection chemistry, and farming systems under rigorous scientific protocols.
Our expertise in Variable Rate (VR) Science helps growers optimise ROI on seed, fertiliser, and water. We don't just collect data; we interpret complex spatial zoning to create site-specific prescription maps that drive efficiency.
We translate statistical trial results into actionable, in-field instructions. Unlike services tied to product sales, FieldForward provides truly independent advice—free from retail influence or brand bias.
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 independent technical governance and science-backed agronomic strategies to growers and agribusinesses. Founded by Andre Austin, a Chartered Agriculturist (CAg) and MBA candidate, our consultancy bridges the gap between high-level research protocols and commercial reality.
With a unique blend of technical agronomy and commercial application, FieldForward is designed to help agricultural operations enhance productivity through data-driven decision-making. Our goal is simple: to help clients execute complex production strategies—rooted in scientific rigour, informed by data, and aligned with the future.
Andre is a globally experienced Research Agronomist and agricultural strategist with over 25 years of leadership in production systems, technical governance, and agribusiness development. His career spans the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, including Australia, Canada, and Southern Africa, providing him with specialised expertise in diverse climates, soil types, and genetic performance.
From export-grade citrus orchards to extensive grain farms, Andre has designed and implemented technical strategies that have supported the success of large export-oriented operations. He has managed agronomic protocols across thousands of hectares, implemented precision agriculture systems, and introduced innovative research trials 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 genetic performance, new practices, products, and technologies under the exact conditions growers face every season.
From experimental design and layout 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, variety evaluations, nutrient programs, or emerging innovations like biochar, 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 spatial data analysis with hands-on field experience to deliver highly targeted crop management solutions. Leveraging tools like SWAT maps, multispectral phenotyping (NDVI/NDRE), and grid soil sampling, we help growers interpret and act on in-field variability. Precision agronomy isn’t just about variable rate nitrogen—it involves statistical zoning for seeding rates, targeted fungicide applications, and water-use efficiency modelling. With years of experience, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach; every field requires a tailored strategy. By aligning inputs with spatial yield potential, we support growers in making profitable, sustainable decisions that push each field forward.
Soil and Tissue Testing
We offer professional geo-referenced sampling and nutrient physiology interpretation to help you understand what your soil and crops are telling you. Our soil testing programs assess key parameters such as base saturation, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and salinity to build targeted fertility programs based on 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles. Complementing this, our tissue testing services provide real-time insights into plant stoichiometric balance throughout the growing season. By sampling at critical phenological stages, we detect hidden hunger or imbalances before symptoms appear, allowing for timely corrective actions. Whether managing broadacre rotations or high-value orchards, our service supports proactive nutrition planning and long-term soil health.
Broadacre Technical Governance
Our in-season monitoring service provides technical governance through consistent, data-driven site visits. We assess agronomic factors including stand establishment metrics, emergence uniformity, and seedling vigour to ensure crops meet their yield potential. We monitor weed pressure with a focus on Integrated Weed Management (IWM) to manage herbicide resistance profiles. Our scouting includes pest and disease modelling, identifying early pressure thresholds to advise on economically sound interventions. We track phenological development stages to time critical inputs, providing guidance on harvest timing to maximize grain quality. This service is ideal for producers seeking data-informed decisions without guesswork.
Physiological Crop Governance
We offer targeted in-field governance designed to support the physiological performance of your orchard. Each visit includes a comprehensive assessment of tree health, identifying nutrient mobility issues and abiotic stress. We manage hormonal regulation strategies—advising on the precise timing of plant growth regulators (PGRs) for thinning, flowering, and canopy management to balance vegetative growth with fruit load. We assist with irrigation scheduling based on soil moisture monitoring, ensuring water is applied according to crop demand. Fertility management is tailored to block-specific needs, utilizing leaf tissue analysis to fine-tune nutrition during critical cell-division windows. This provides the agronomic clarity to support Class 1 Pack-Out rates and long-term tree health.
Cropping Systems Design & Planning
As part of our subscription packages, Crop Planning is designed to support strategic, season-long decision-making. We work with growers to develop customised rotation strategies that balance agronomic performance with gross margin analysis. For orchards, we advise on rootstock and genetic selection based on local climate data and market opportunities—whether optimizing for yield potential or disease resistance. For field crops, we evaluate seasonal risk profiles to guide decisions that improve your bottom line. We also assist with systems design, integrating cover crops or fallow periods to maximize water storage. Whether developing a new block or refining an existing plan, our service ensures every hectare is planted with purpose.